(This article was originally published
in the April 24 to 30, 2011 issue of the Baguio Chronicle
--- a weekly newspaper based in Baguio City, Philippines.)
by SLY L. QUINTOS, Associate Editor
Local bicycle enthusiasts have expressed optimism that the government’s ban on bicycles within the city’s central business district would soon be a thing of the past.
This, after the Baguio Chronicle learned that the Baguio City Council’s Committee on Laws is now almost ready make its recommendations on the move to amend the city ordinance banning bicycles, motorcycles, and tricycles within the central business district.
The said ordinance was the subject of an emotionally-charged public consultation in January this year which was attended by bicycle advocates. It was also attended by motorcycle enthusiasts and motorcycle commuters. The president of the national federation of motorcyclists was also present.
During the said public consultation, Councilor Richard Cariño asked from those present whether they have objections on the proposition to allow bicycles within the central business district. Not one manifested any objection.
Meanwhile, the motorcycle enthusiasts may be in for a long and rough ride following stiff oppositions manifested during the same public hearing. Among the reasons cited is the noise being generated by the motorcycle, more so if they travel in groups. Another reason was its being environmentally-offensive.
The motorcycle riders were also cited for their being too dominating on the road. One habit they have, when travelling in group, is when one of them stops in the middle of an intersection to stop all motor vehicles and give priority to his fellow motorcyclists.
In a position paper submitted by this writer --- an occasional bicycle commuter himself --- to the Committee on Laws, he said that lifting the ban on bicycles is not enough though.
He suggested that “the city government shall (also) draw up long-term plans to mitigate aggressive or hostile driving habits and encourage courteous road-sharing attitude among the motorists.”
According to him, the bicycle “alleviates congestion, lowers air pollution, reduces obesity, increase physical fitness, does not emit climate-disrupting carbon-dioxide, and is priced within the reach of the ordinary people who cannot afford a car.”
“Bicycles increase mobility while reducing congestion. Six bicycles can typically fit into the road space used by one car. For parking, the advantage is even greater, with 20 bicycles occupying the space required to park a car. Few methods of reducing carbon emissions are as effective as substituting a bicycle for a car on short trips,” he explained.
“We (cyclists) are not (yet) asking for bicycle lanes because even if the government says ‘yes’ to it, it doesn’t mean that by tomorrow, the bicycle lanes are already there. Besides, bicycles lanes are expensive,” he said. “All we are asking for is a little respect for the bikers on the road,” he lamented, citing prevalent anti-biker and aggressive driving habit among the motorists, especially the public utility drivers.
The same position paper submitted to the Committee on Laws is also calling on the government to mitigate irresponsible bicycling. He said the government should also be strict on cyclists who are not wearing a prescribed helmet while riding a bicycle and those who engage in horseplay on the road.
Reacting on the argument that bicycles are road hazards, he said that “motorists remain the greatest hazard on the roads. Where the roads are dominated by cars, it is because they have usurped. Many motorists, especially those who refuse to share the roads, mistakenly believe that their possession of a driver's license gives them a superior claim of the road.”
“Because of their size, speed and weight, cars carry an extremely high potential for causing lethal damage when negligently operated,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed a bill seeking for the establishment of bike-friendly communities nationwide to encourage commuters to use bicycles as an alternative means of transportation.
“With Filipinos struggling to cope with the increase in fuel prices, cycling provides an inexpensive, healthier and more earth-friendly alternative,” the Philippine Star quoted Santiago.
Santiago’s proposed Senate Bill No. 2789 mandates the Department of Transportation and Communication “to establish a program to promote safety in the use of bikes in towns and cities.”
It also calls for proper infrastructures such as bike lanes and parking spaces constructed in established biking communities. Government offices and major business establishments nationwide shall also be required to provide parking spaces for bicycles.
A similar bill has been filed by Senator Manny Villar seeking for the creation of bike lanes in main thoroughfares. Proposed Senate Bill 2688 or the Bicycle Act of 2011 stipulates that the bike lanes will be identified and maintained by a Local Bikeways Office which would be placed under the supervision of the city or municipal engineering office of the LGUs.
The bill also seeks for the creation of bicycle parks in cities and municipalities.*
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