Bikes not yet allowed on EDSA — MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said bicycles are not yet allowed on EDSA due to the lack of bicycle lanes.

According to Victoria Tulad’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, MMDA Undersecretary Jojo Garcia said the agency has not yet implemented its long-term plan for bicycles.

“Kapag walang bike lane, bawal po no? Pagsasabihan kayo. Paaalisin po kayo diyan kasi po ang iniisip ho natin dito ‘yong safety ninyo,” said Garcia.

Meanwhile, several workers appealed for a change in the policy, saying biking is a way for them to get around amid the lack of public transportation due to the health crisis.

“Kung may bike, mapapabilis ng kaunti tapos hindi pa gaanong pagod,” a worker said.

“Lalong wala pong transportation, mas okay po sa amin kung magba-bike po muna kami dahil hindi pa po puwedeng maglalakad po kami ang layo-layo po ng inuuwian namin,” Allan Garsiola, a worker, added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways earlier said it is planning to put up a dedicated bicycle lane on EDSA as biking becomes an alternative mode of transportation under the “new normal” of a post-COVID-19 era.

“Ang plano nila, ilalagay nila yung mga dedicated bus lanes sa center line ng EDSA. At magkakaroon din ng isang lane na naka-allocate para sa mga bisikleta," DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said.

Aside from bicycle lanes, the DPWH is also planning to install elevated walkways along EDSA.

However, Villar said the department is still looking for funding for these planned projects under the 2020 General Appropriations, though these can be funded under next year's budget. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News