Pedal-pushing Bayani takes on bike challenge

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando is up to the challenge issued earlier by transport groups to prove the merits of his proposed bicycle lanes on the city roads of the metropolis.

Fernando said yesterday he was willing to personally demonstrate the effectiveness of his latest proposal by riding a bicycle on a secondary road of his critics’ choice.

Earlier, transport groups said they would oppose the latest MMDA proposal because of its possible implications on their operations.

"OK lang sa akin yun," Fernando said of the challenge. "Pambihira naman sila, hindi ba nila alam na matagal na akong nagbibisikleta."

He even issued a counter-challenge. "Kung gusto nila magkarerahan pa kami."

Fernando earlier proposed a "Metro Walk and Pedal Lanes" that would be established along city and inner roads.

During a recent Metro Manila Council meeting, the idea received no objection from the 17 Metro Manila mayors, including his long-time critic Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The MMDA chief said that he has tested and proven the usefulness of the bike lane when he put it up in Marikina City during his term as local executive there.

Under the city project, road accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians were lessened, Fernando pointed out.

He got the idea during a visit to China, where bike lanes have been operating for decades now. Bicycles continue to be a convenient alternative mode of transportation in the world’s most populous country.

Under Fernando’s bike lane project, some 200 kilometers of secondary and inner roads in Metro Manila would be interconnected. Directional signs and safety measures would also be put in place to guide cyclists.

The Metro Manila Council, composed of the MMDA and the mayors, is set to come up with a proposed resolution on the project, which Fernando said could be a great contribution to the national government’s campaign to save energy amid a looming power crisis. – Edu Punay