It’s final: No trikes, pedicabs on highways

MANILA, Philippines — Following contradicting statements from Malacañang, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday clarified that tricycles and pedicabs will not be allowed to ply national highways nationwide.

DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that current transportation laws bar tricycles from plying national roads under their franchise and operating conditions.

Tricycles and pedicabs may only ply secondary roads under the general community quarantine.

Drivers of these vehicles must wear face masks and gloves and are limited to only one passenger per trip.

MMDA now backs pop-up bike lanes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, has apparently withdrawn its opposition to the creation of pop-up bicycle lanes along major roads in Metro Manila.

In a statement yesterday, the agency said it “welcomes the establishment of pop-up bike lanes and elevated bike lanes in Metro Manila… the agency is not against such initiatives.”

The MMDA, however, urged advocates of bicycle use to coordinate with local government units.

There are two bike lanes along EDSA: from White Plains Avenue to Temple Drive and from Ortigas to Santolan Avenues.

MMDA officials previously said they would prefer building elevated bicycle lanes over creating pop-up ones. Ghio Ong