(File photo)
MANILA – The Joint Task Force Covid Shield (JTF CV Shield) on Tuesday warned motorists not to encroach in designated bicycle lanes along roads of Metro Manila.
In a statement, JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said motorists turning bicycle lanes into parking spaces or using them to avoid traffic jams not only disrespect bicycle riders but also put their lives at risk.
“Just like drivers of trucks, buses, and private vehicles, bicycle riders also have the right to use the roads especially if they are already allowed to go through bicycle lanes that have already been designated by the local government units,” Eleazar said.
To protect bicycle riders, he said they are now coordinating with the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and local police commanders in clearing designated bicycle lanes.
By using the bicycle lanes as parking spaces, bicycle riders are forced to shift to other lanes which put them at risk of being hit by vehicles behind them, Eleazar said.
“The use of bicycles as a mode of transportation is already beginning to become popular. We call on the motorists to get used to this by starting to respect the intended users of bicycle lanes,” he said.
Several LGUs have already designated bicycle lanes such as Quezon City, Pasig City, and Taguig City. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is also planning to designate a bicycle lane along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa).
Eleazar said the HPG and local commanders should include in their regular patrol the checking of bicycle lanes to ensure that they are not only used as parking spaces but also ensure that the lanes would not be used by private and public utility cars.
“The national government, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases supports the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation. This is the reason why we welcome the decision of the LGUs to designate bicycles lanes in their areas of responsibility,” said Eleazar. (PNA)
