Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, a cycling boom has been under way across the country. We are seeing an “explosion in cycling” in many cities, especially in Metro Manila where there is no option but to walk or bike. Cycling groups report that bicycle counts have significantly increased across Metro Manila compared to usual. In the two weeks into the general community quarantine (GCQ), they found the National Capital Region with the most growth of bicycle use.
There is no doubt about it – cycling has become the fastest-growing travel mode in Metro Manila today. And with it is the creation of new on-road bike lanes in EDSA and in most parts of the city.
It’s been a little over a week since the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started lining up the 1.2 to 1.5-meter bicycle lane along EDSA as part of the plan to set up protected bike lanes in the metropolis. The agency urged motorists to recognize the at-grade bike lane set up on EDSA to accommodate those cycling to work during the community quarantine.
But there is a lingering question asked by motorists who ply the metro route everyday: Will it be unlawful for anyone to drive on a bike lane?
The Philippine National Police (PNP) says yes.
In a statement, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said that "bicycle lanes are for bicycle riders and they [motorists] have no business using them [for] parking or encroach [on] these lanes to overtake or to avoid traffic jams.”
Eleazar, also PNP deputy chief for operations, tasked the HPG to conduct operations to reclaim the lanes for bicycle riders after receiving numerous complaints about the misuse of bicycle lanes by some vehicle owners.
On Wednesday, at least 40 drivers of private vehicles have been apprehended and were issued with citation tickets by policemen from the PNP - Highway Patrol Group for using bicycle lanes as parking spaces in Quezon City.
"This should serve as a lesson and a warning for the motorists to respect the spaces intended for bicycle riders," Eleazar said. "This operation will continue until we are able to institute discipline among the motorists that bicycle lanes are for bicycle riders." he added.
Eleazar has warned private car drivers not to "invade" lanes designated for bicycles after receiving complaints that bicycle lanes have been used by some as parking spaces while others are using them to overtake other cars and avoid heavy traffic.
Eleazar tasked the PNP - HPG and local police chiefs to include in their regular patrols the checking of bicycle lanes to ensure that they are not being utilized by private cars.
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