MMDA plan reducing bike lanes hit

Cyclists and road safety advocates staged a protest ride along Commonwealth Avenue to oppose the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) proposal to reduce protected bike lanes to make room for more motorcycle lanes.

The protest, called “Buhay ang Bike Lane: Commonwealth Loop,” was led by CycleSavers, a group of daily bike commuters. They argued that Commonwealth Avenue already has eight lanes for motor vehicles in each direction, while cyclists are confined to the outermost protected lane.

“Why is the MMDA targeting bike lanes as a solution to the growing number of motorcycles?” said organizer Jasper Abunyawan. “They could remove just one lane from both sides for cars instead. We understand that many people use cars, but this is about road safety — we’re not motorists.”

“We ride manually, and we’re pushed to the shoulders of the road, which puts us at great risk,” he added.

Abunyawan explained the double meaning behind their campaign’s title: “‘Buhay’ means both ‘life’ — as in bike lanes save lives and make commuting possible — and ‘alive,’ because many people are using them.”

Arthur Guda, 67, president of the Senior and Junior Bikers of Quezon City and Caloocan Inc., which has nearly 500 members, echoed the call for improved bike infrastructure.

“Let’s support the bike lanes. Don’t remove them. Let’s improve and beautify them instead. They are important,” he said. “They can help solve our pollution problems.”

Guda also emphasized that biking promotes health, especially among seniors.