Can Metro Manila be bike-friendly?
If you're constantly out, you might have noticed an increase in the number of bicycles on the road.
This is hardly surprising. Bicycle shops have reported an increase in sales and demand starting in the middle of last year at the height of the community lockdown enforced by the government.
With transportation options either limited or non-existent, people have resorted to bicycles as their ride of choice to go from one place to another.
Freelance media producer, Lester Babiera, was one of the many who picked up biking as a hobby just recently.
“I consider myself as a newbie cyclist,” Lester told GMA Lifestyle.
“I bought my bike last August and realized that cycling, aside from being fun and sustainable, can help our problem with traffic in the city.”
A month later, Lester put up First Bike Ride--an online community group that aims to encourage more people, particularly non-bikers, to start riding bicycles.
Lester Babiera / Photo by: bujibabiera (IG)
But along the rise in the number of bicycle riders are the reported cases of bike-related accidents on the road.
There were 1,759 accidents involving bicycles last year according to a report from the Metro Manila Accidents and Reporting System.
That's still fewer as compared to 2019 figures although one can surmise that the months-long lockdown contributed to that big difference.
However, the easing of restrictions and the continuous jump in bike riders might change all that.
Bike-related accidents are caused by many factors.
“I live in the capital and I travel around Metro Manila most of the time. For those who are riding their bicycles, I would say that our roads are bikeable,” said Lester.
“For example, I can easily ride a 10-kilometer trip from Manila to Pasig.
"However, there are parts of our roads that are uneven and that we should be careful because there are potholes.
“It's also noteworthy that there are many motorists on the road, with some of them not adhering to the speed limits that's in the Traffic Code.”
Safety first
Many bikers, especially newbies, fail to check or do proper maintenance on their bikes which leads to mechanical problems like faulty brakes and broken bicycle chains.
Not being mindful of road potholes and cracks can also lead to minor and major accidents.
“When riding in busy cities, cyclists won't be able to speed up because there are many obstacles.
"But speed, like any vehicle, can also result in accidents and that's what usually happens to recently reported accidents of cyclists getting injured in provincial roads,” Lester mentioned.
Photo by: mnlmoves (IG)
The good news is that many cities now are seeing the importance of allotting dedicated bike lanes to protect cyclists.
“Proper bike infrastructure is the key to safeguard the welfare of cyclists.
"For example, bike lanes should not just be painted, it should have protection to separate them from other road users.
“Other cities in Metro Manila--Ortigas Avenue of San Juan, BGC in Taguig, and Ayala Avenue in Makati--have managed to secure their bike lanes,” said Lester.
He continued, “Decent bike lanes are important because these are the safe spaces of bikers on the road where no motorist shall pass.
“However, we have to take note that while these lanes are exclusive for cyclists, those who are on bicycles are still allowed to use other parts of the road.”
Lester continued, “Many accidents that involve bicycles in the city are often encounters with motorized vehicles.
“Bigger vehicles should always yield to smaller road users. In line with this, we could avoid fatal accidents if motorized vehicles would slow down.”
Photo by: mnlmoves (IG)
We certainly still have a long way to go before Metro Manila becomes bike-friendly, but initial steps, no matter how small, are good starting points.
“Our government should encourage more people to ride a bike because it's efficient and effective in moving people.
"It doesn't take much space on the road, it's safe and it's sustainable.
"Building bike infrastructure is way cheaper compared to prioritizing projects for private vehicles,” Lester said.
Having proper bike infrastructures around the city could help a lot in enticing the public to use bicycles.
“But while we still don't have the ideal bike infrastructure, bikers should keep themselves protected. It can be done by being more visible on the road,” Lester advised.
“If there are no bike lanes available on the road, cyclists should not limit themselves on the edge of the street because it can be more dangerous for them. Wearing bright clothes and installing lights during night rides would be helpful.”
To those who want to take up biking as a hobby, Lester has this to say: “It's fun, sustainable and our cities, at least some of them, are bike-friendly.
“If you can bike instead of driving a car, get on your bike. It can help ease traffic and reduce pollution.”
Making progress
Speaking of bike infrastructures, private companies and groups are doing their share to support bikers.
Robinson's Malls has rolled out its Bike Parking and Repair Station complete with tools and equipment should cyclists need to do repairs on their bicycles.
Photo by: Robinsons Malls
Both facilities are accessible and easy to spot, and strategically located inside the mall's parking area, some near the mall entrances and public road access.
Photo by: Robinsons Malls
Meanwhile, it's never too late for adults to learn how to ride a bicycle.
The National Bicycle Organization (NBO) offers bike lessons for grown-ups in BGC in Taguig City and Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City. Kids are also welcome to sign up.
Photo by: NBO Bike Lessons (Facebook)
Lessons are PhP300 per head and payable via Coins.ph, Gcash, PayMaya, or credit or debit card.
Only two students are allowed per session, which runs at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. for the BGC location. The fee is inclusive of bicycle rental.
For more information, visit NBO Bike Lessons on Facebook or visit their website.
Meanwhile, here are some cycling essentials you need for a safe and hassle-free ride: