Cyclists to MMDA: Keep the bike lanes

Cyclists and road safety advocates staged a protest ride Saturday against the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) proposal to shrink the protected bike lanes along Commonwealth Avenue to make way for expanded motorcycle lanes.

Starting from the “Buhay ang Bike Lane: Commonwealth Loop,” the community ride was led by CycleSavers, a group of daily bike commuters who emphasized the necessity of protected lanes for cyclist safety, especially for those using bikes as their main mode of transport.

They argued that Commonwealth already has eight lanes for motor vehicles in both directions, yet cyclists are confined to the narrow outermost lanes. They questioned why bikers should have to give up space in the name of road sharing when private cars and motorcycles already dominate the avenue.

“Why is MMDA targeting bike lanes as the solution to the increase in motorcycles? Why not remove at least one car lane on each side? We understand many use cars too, but this is a road safety issue. We’re not motorists,” said organizer Jasper Abunyawan.

“We ride manually. So we’re at greater risk, especially since we’re pushed to the road’s shoulder,” he added.

Abunyawan also explained the dual meaning behind their protest’s title: “Buhay ang Bike Lane.”

“It means two things—first, ‘buhay’ as in life, because these lanes give life to workers who rely on bikes for commuting. Second, ‘buhay’ as in alive and active, because many people use these lanes.”

Arthur Guda, 67, president of the Senior and Junior Bikers of Quezon City and Caloocan Inc., representing nearly 500 members nationwide, called for better infrastructure, not less.

“Let’s support the bike lane. Don’t remove it. Fix the bike lane. Improve it. It’s important—it can help solve our pollution problems,” he said.

Guda added that biking promotes not only sustainability but also physical well-being, especially for senior citizens.

Citing last year’s “Bilang Siklista” count, CycleSavers pointed out that over 2,000 cyclists use the Commonwealth bike lanes daily, showing a rising trend in active, sustainable transportation.

“Our proposal is simple: keep the bike lanes. Keep them as is. If MMDA wants to experiment, do it on other lanes—but these protected lanes must stay. That’s what we’re showing today—this bike lane is alive, and we rely on it to make a living,” Abunyawan said.