SENIOR Associate Justice Marvic Leonen yesterday called for a “generous lane” for bikers in Metro Manila as a way to encourage the public to use bikes as a mode of transport.
In a series of tweets, Leonen who is an avid biker said many would have taken biking in the metropolis but were discouraged from doing so as they have to compete with other vehicles for limited space on the roadways.
“Tools for solving the traffic problem already there. Eg, strictly ensuring that private cars have a place to park – not on the streets. Also, ensure a generous lane for bikers and restrict lanes for private cars,” Leonen said.
“Many of us want to bike or e-bike, but we also do not want to be killed by motorcycles or cars just doing what they want because they are bigger,” he added.
The magistrate added that a friend asked the same question by narrating the advantages of using bicycles.
“Bicycle: vehicle for one or two but does not occupy too much space. It is inexpensive and does not pollute. Private car: vehicle for one or two but occupies more space. It is expensive and pollutes,” Leonen said.
“Why do regulations and the economy favor the private car? Asking for a friend,” he added.
It is the second time that Leonen is pushing for better roads built for bikers and pedestrians, especially in urban areas, instead of private cars.
In September last year, Leonen argued that accessible walkways are better than roads for private cars, which, he added, get congested in no time at all.
“What if we built roads for bicycles and more accessible walkways for pedestrians rather than roads for private cars? What if bicycles (not motorcycles) and pedestrians are given priority in government infrastructure projects? Would this be more equitable? Just asking,” Leonen said then.
He added that building more roads to accommodate the growing number of vehicles has failed to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
Last year, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Romando Artes said the agency is studying the creation of an elevated walkway and bikeway on EDSA, from Guadalupe in Makati City to Cubao in Quezon City.
Artes said the agency has presented the plan to the Department of Budget and Management for funding, adding the project received the backing of Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman who suggested launching a pilot run this year.
Previous MMDA leaders have floated similar plans to alleviate the traffic congestion along EDSA.
MMDA data showed that from January to July last year, 149 of 170 people killed in road accidents in Metro Manila are bikers or motorcycle riders.
The Department of Transportation earlier said it will construct 470 kilometers of protected bike lanes across the country.
