New metro mayors urged to set up bicycle lanes

MANILA, Philippines — An international think tank yesterday issued a challenge to Metro Manila’s newly elected young mayors, calling for working class-biased solutions to climate change in celebration of World Bicycle Day.

“We call on Metro Manila’s new leaders to come together and make every day a ‘World Bicycle Day.’ It’s time they work as one to focus on non-motorized transport options and promote cities friendly to those who pedal to work,” said Golda Hilario, associate for program development of the Manila-based Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

ICSC is an international climate and energy policy group promoting climate-resilient and low carbon development.

It called on Mayors Joy Belmonte, Vico Sotto, Abby Binay, Isko Moreno and Francis Zamora to pin down a plan of cooperation that would link their respective cities – Quezon, Pasig, Makati, Manila and San Juan – through protected bicycle lanes.

“We challenge our incoming mayors in Metro Manila to build better communities and improve productivity by making cycling a real, safe transport choice for everyone. They should work together to make the metro’s bike networks connected and functional, especially for blue collar workers who build and run our city,” said Aldrin Pelicano, an urban planner and daily bike commuter who runs the Facebook page Manila Moves.

ICSC was a participant to the second “World Bike to Work Day” organized by Manila Moves in Ortigas in cooperation with the Pasig City government’s transport office, Cycling Matters, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, Ortigas Center and Tern Bicycles.

“What is good for local air quality, local tourism and workers’ health has global benefits as well. Cities represent over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” Hilario said.

The organization also supports the leadership of Joey Salceda, returning congressman of Albay’s second district, who called for a halt to the EDSA provincial bus ban. According to Salceda, only 3,300 provincial buses pass through EDSA daily compared to over 247,000 private vehicles, based on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s 2017 estimates.

“Imagine if commuters from the provinces enjoyed cycling options too, once they reach the metropolis. We promote productivity when we reduce travel time and when workers enjoy cleaner air,” Hilario said.

Other groups and local governments also organized World Bicycle Day activities in Alabang, Baguio, Camarines Sur and Borongan City in Eastern Samar, according to reports.