The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday rolled out a bike repair station at the ground level of EDSA-Quezon Ave. flyover for motorcycle riders and cyclists who needed emergency road assistance.
The project, open to the public from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., is equipped with basic repair and vulcanizing tools, and manned by trained MMDA personnel who will assist people whose bikes and motorcycles broke down on the road.
The MMDA initially set up two repair stations, one along EDSA and another on Roxas Blvd.
“The thrust of this project is to provide free space and assistance in cases where emergency repairs are needed rather than towing the vehicles outright. The only time the vehicle will be towed is when it is beyond repair,” said MMDA chair Romando Artes.
Artes said the agency will put up more motorcycle and bicycle repair stations in different strategic locations all over Metro Manila where cyclists and motorcycle riders usually traverse and will eventually expand the project to cover four-wheel vehicles.
Bonifacio Bosita of 1Rider party-list, who is also present during the event, expressed support for the project.
“This will surely make the rider community happy since they now have a place to go to in case they need emergency repairs,” Bosita said.
Artes also advised cyclists to practice road safety measures. He warned motorcycle riders who are entering bike lanes that they will be apprehended via the agency’s No Contact Apprehension Policy.
He said the MMDA will continue to push its proposal to have elevated bike lanes and walkways, although they are still studying the plan and will consult stakeholders on whether to give motorcycles dedicated lanes along major thoroughfares.
Meanwhile, Artes said the agency doesn’t see the need to expand the existing number coding scheme as vehicles on the road continue to decrease because of high fuel prices.