It’s high time the government developed a more sound environment for the growing community of motorbikes and bicycle riders.
The continued rise of fuel prices in stratospheric proportions has forced many car owners to go for motorcycles and commuters to resort to the bike-to-work in the face of the inefficient public transport system.
Even before the evils of COVID-19 lockdowns and the high cost of fuel came to hound Philippine roads, motor bikers were already complaining about discrimination on the road.
Riders cry about being the usual suspects (in criminal activities) and targets of check-points. Riders are most often chastised for being disrespectful on the road, but there are “kamote” riders. The good guys still make up the majority.
To make the road safer for everyone—both for the four-wheel drivers and two-wheel riders—the government should initiate the return to basics. In martial arts, they call it KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).
The Metro Manila Development Authority created motorcycle lanes for riders, but they were not made exclusive. Slow-moving cars and heavily loaded trucks can encroach on the lanes any time.
Motorcycles are not allowed to use the usually vacant bike lanes. In developed nations like China and Japan riders and cyclists share the lanes.
Still, in Japan, cyclists and pedestrians share the sidewalk.
In the fast-rising economies like Vietnam, riders have always been kings of the road. In The Netherlands, bikers are well-respected by motorists.
Our officials should learn from these countries. There are existing effective systems that can be used as models.
The MMDA has a proposal to have elevated bike lanes and walkways and is still studying proposals and will consult stakeholders on whether to give motorcycles dedicated lanes along major thoroughfares.
The recent move by the MMDA to put up a motorcycle and bicycle repair station in Quezon Avenue along EDSA is yet another good start. We just hope it gets continued with the new MMDA leadership.
According to the MMDA, the repair station is equipped with basic repair and vulcanizing tools, as well as trained MMDA personnel who will help those whose bikes and motorcycles broke down on the road.
Currently, there are two repair stations in EDSA and another one on Roxas Boulevard.
No less than MMDA chairman Roman Artes presided over the launch with congressman-elect Bonifacio Bosita as one of the guests.
Bosita and the MMDA enforcers group are, most of the time, at loggerheads on a lot of issues, especially when motorcycle riders are involved.
Your see, Bosita, a rider himself, has been playing the crusader’s role for motorcyclists, especially those who are victims of injustice on the road. He does that as a private citizen although he possesses some measure of respect as a former police officer.
Now that he holds a position in the government as a lawmaker, representing 1 Rider Party-List, it looks like riders, especially the more responsible ones, will have bigger voices. If we have to have more “Bositas” in our midst, so be it.
United, we can create a more responsible riding community.
This is not just about the riders, though, it’s making road travel safer and convenient for everybody—riders, cyclists and four-wheel drivers, and even pedestrians.
