MMDA to open 2 more bike lanes in QC

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to open Wednesday two more bicycle lanes on EDSA in Quezon City.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the fifth bicycle lane would stretch from Ortigas Avenue to Santolan (northbound) and the sixth bicycle will be from White Plains to Temple Drive (eastbound).

The bicycle lane from Ortigas Avenue to Santolan spans about 2.105 kilometers while the bike lane from White Plains to Temple Drive will be 982.6 meters long.

“These bike lanes were conceptualized to promote and enhance street and neighborhood identity, increase foot and bike traffic, and reduce vehicle congestion and air pollution along the major thoroughfares as well as promote healthy living and well-being,” Tolentino said.

The new bike lanes are painted in red markings and have been installed with traffic directional signs and safety devices to aid bike riders.  Earlier, the MMDA opened a 3.15-kilometer bike lane on Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila; a 9.14-kilometer bike lane along Marcos Highway from Evangelista Street to Sumulong Highway in Marikina City; a kilometer-long bike lane along EDSA from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue in Makati City; and a 2.92-kilometer bike lane along Commonwealth Avenue from University Avenue to Tandang Sora in Quezon City.      

Tolentino said the public can ride the bicycles to be maintained by the MMDA for free under the agency’s bike-sharing system. Users of the MMDA bikes only need to present a valid identification card and will be issued in turn a plastic card indicating the bike’s number. The bike should then be surrendered to the control area on its return.

Tolentino added that the MMDA will be adding more bicycles for the public to use, especially when the 15 major infrastructure projects across Metro Manila starts construction works. The MMDA earlier said these construction works are expected to trigger major traffic jams in the Metro.

"We will be adding more bicycle lanes to promote street and neighborhood identity, increase foot and bike traffic and reduce vehicle congestion along major roads," said Tolentino.