The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently held a three-day road sharing exercise together with various government agencies and different cycling and citizen’s groups that will transform the transportation system into inclusive and sustainable mobility.
The government agencies involved are the Department of Transportation (DOTR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Health (DOH).
Working with these agencies on this initiative are the following cycling and citizen’s groups like the Bayanihan sa Daan, Bikers United Marshalls, Cycling Matters PH, Life Cycles PH, Firefly Brigade-Philippines, Inclusive Mobility, EDSA Evolution, Living Laudato Si’ Philippines, Greenpeace Philippines, and Cycle Bros.
Aimed at coming up with inclusive mobility and sustainable transport towards a better normal that will benefit the ordinary Filipino, the three-day exercise began on Commonwealth Ave. (vicinity of Don Enrique) to the elliptical road and then turned right through East Avenue as symbolic salute to the frontline health workers. It then turned left towards EDSA up to the corner of P. Tuazon Avenue.
During the event which took place from Saturday, 27 June at 6:00 AM and concluded on Monday, 29 June at 8:00 PM, road markers and volunteer marshalls shall help to ease traffic flow and separate motor and four-wheel vehicles from bicycles. A symbolic walk and ride was also held at 10:00 AM in the Quezon Memorial Circle area.
Representatives of the concerned groups consider this a welcome development. Atty. Tony Oposa of Bayanihan sa Daan says the exercise “is a chance to strengthen the partnership between government and concerned citizens [as well as] spread the much-needed positive energy and happy hope for our fellow Filipinos in these difficult times.”
Ann Angala of Bikers United Marshall says “protected bike lanes are essential.” “No more compromises. Mechanical assistance and first aid stations should also be a priority. This is a call to all concerned agencies and individuals. Share The Road [and[ show respect. Let us work together and let us get things done,” Angala added.
Rodne Galicha of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines is “hopeful that the exercise be transformed into sustained policy and action which will promote social justice especially to the working community and the marginalized.”
Jack Yabut of Firefly Brigade expects the road-sharing exercise to be implemented nationwide. “We need protected and interconnected Bike Lanes to truly encourage bicycling and provide practical, effective and environment friendly mobility for all,” Yabut pointed out.
Francis Mendoza of Cycle Bros, on the other hand, expressed concern on the need to provide “bike mechanical assistance. “Kailangan ng mga siklista, lalong lalo na ang mga newbie ng tulong sa kalsada. Mga nasisiraan, na flat tire at mga maliliit na problema sa bike. (Cyclists, especially the newbies need assistance on the road especially those who experienced flat tires and other related problems on the road).”