Solon suggests mandatory parking space for bikes

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker suggested that it should be mandatory for government and private office buildings, schools, shopping malls and other commercial establishments to provide bicycle parking and storage space to address the traffic problem in the country.

 

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles said that creating a bicycle-friendly environment in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities would ease traffic and reduce carbon gas emission.

 

"Bikes are fast becoming a popular alternative means of transport among our blue and white collar workers, office executives, students and many others but are quickly being discouraged by hostile security guards who drive them away upon seeing they have a bike in tow and the lack of parking space for bikes," Nograles said.

 

The veteran lawmaker explained that the increasing complaints against establishments without safe parking and storage for bicycles show the ignorance and apathy of people on the benefits of biking.

 

Using bicycles is an alternative way of traveling for commuters with the recurring breakdowns of rail transit systems and daily traffic gridlocks.

 

"I know some doctors, dentists, lawyers and big-time executives who now use bikes when going to work. It's actually fast becoming a trend nowadays but this could fade away if we cannot provide them the right infrastructure and the right support," the Mindanao lawmaker said.

 

The lawmaker further noted that unlike cars and motorcycles, bicycles, some of which can be folded and placed on a bag, would require less space.