Cyclists share EDSA bike lanes with SUVs, trucks

With not enough traffic enforcers to man the entire stretch of EDSA, cyclists have complained that they had to share the highway's newly assigned bicycle lanes with cars and even large vehicles such as trucks and buses.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras", the bicycle lanes on EDSA have only been marked with white paint instead of being elevated and separated from the rest of the thoroughfare as initially planned.

Several workers said biking to their workplace has been a tough challenge.

“Noong nawala ‘yong mga MMDA, puro motorista na po ‘yong kasabay namin. Medyo delikado pero wala na po kasing ibang way ng transportation kaya tiniyatiyaga po namin,” a worker said.

“May mga bus, truck, tapos ‘yong mga motor bigla na lang susulpot sa tabi mo,” Hady Boy Polman added.

Since the start of the community quarantine in Metro Manila, police already recorded a total of 10 bike-related accidents on EDSA.

Metro Manila Development Authority spokesperson Celine Pialago said the agency at present could not provide traffic enforcers for every 50 meters. She said there would be enforcers to guide the cyclists.

“Sa ngayon po hindi natin mabibigay yung every 50 meters may enforcers na nakapuwesto. Pero mayroon po tayong deployment na aalalay po sa ating mga cyclists na babiyahe sa kahabaan ng EDSA,” Pialago said.

An enforcer, meanwhile, advised cyclists to wear protective gear.

"Magsuot po sila ng reflectorize at tsaka mga safety gear kagaya ng helmet,” an enforcer said.

Pialago also urged all motorists to respect cyclists on the road.

“Kung ano po ang pagtrato sa mga pedestrian, ganoon din po sa mga cyclists. Share a road,” she said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News