Isko Moreno 'not inclined' to allow bike lanes in Manila

Despite the popularity of cycling to work amid the community quarantine, Mayor Isko Moreno is "not inclined" to allow bike lanes in Manila.

In an opinion piece published in the Manila Bulletin, the mayor raised his concerns over the safety of bicycle riders should they share the road with other motorists.

He said thousands of 40-foot trucks pass through Manila every day, so careful consideration of the risks should be done before setting up bike lanes.

"I do not want anyone meeting an accident in the city and losing lives or limbs because we decided without proper study and measures in place," he said.

Moreno cited the death of a doctor who was hit by a truck while riding a bike on her way home from duty during the enhanced community quarantine.

"The accident took place at a time when the streets were practically devoid of any traffic activity," he said. "The streets were virtually empty and yet, such a mishap took place and claimed the very valuable life of a health frontliner."

Moreno said he will follow should the national government decides to set up bike lanes. If discretion is left to the local government, however, he is unlikely to give the green light to the measure.

"Let me stress that we are talking of precious lives here. This is why I am really half-hearted and I can only ask for the kind understanding of those who may have opinions contrary to mine," he said. "To me, one death is just one too many."

Since the lockdown began in March, a group called Life Cycles PH has distributed bikes to frontliners to help them get to work amid the lack of public transportation.

Pasig City has also repurposed their Bike Share units for their frontliners, while San Juan City has launched pop-up bike lanes.

President Rodrigo Duterte said bike lanes are being eyed in seven areas in Metro Manila. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also proposed bike lanes up to 1.5 meter-wide in EDSA. —MGP, GMA News