His task is to make sure that there are no hitches when President Arroyo rides a bicycle for the launching of the MMDA’s "Metro Padyakan" bike lane project that seeks to promote alternative modes of transportation to cut fuel and energy consumption.
The President is expected to ride the first bicycle during the opening of a two-kilometer bike lane in Quezon City on Sept. 17.
She has never ridden a bike in her life.
Fernando said he has to make sure Mrs. Arroyo will be able to board the "presidential bicycle" and won’t suffer a fall.
One of the options being considered right now is the use of a tandem bike.
"The President has never ridden a bike and we have to make sure her first won’t be embarrassing or a disaster," Fernando’s information officer Connie Gonzales, of the Public Affairs Service (PAS), said.
According to her, a tandem bike will probably be the best solution since the rider in front will be the one controlling the bike.
Gonzales said Fernando could sit in front while the President takes the rear seat and just pedal along with the MMDA chief.
"Cyclist naman talaga is BF. Kaya niya yun. He can give President Arroyo a nice and comfortable ride," Gonzales told The STAR.
Fernando has already ordered his men to ready the bike lanes and paint the road with white and pink lines to separate the lanes for motorists and cyclists.
Xavierville and Katipunan Avenues will be the initial areas where bike lanes will be established.
Fernando’s "Metro Padyakan" hopes to promote the use of bicycles in Metro Manila, where the MMDA plans to develop bike lanes connecting all the cities and municipalities.
The project launching was initially set for tomorrow, but was moved to Sept. 17. – Michael Punongbayan