Letter to the Editor - Embryonic thinking

A recent article by Mr. Radel Paredes entitled "How to bike and save the planet" was cute but it unfortunately illustrated embryonic thinking on the part of the writer. Maybe he has lived a sheltered life in Imperial Manila and has not been exposed to the "real world" - much like our politicians!

In his article to make 10 points why everyone should ride bicycles and automobiles are essentially to be banned from use. I wonder what he was smoking when he wrote the article? His approach is as valid as if we were to eliminate all types of transportation that uses wheels, wings, etc; destroy all paved streets, road and highways. Then everyone could walk to their destination regardless as to weather conditions, etc. In fact, why don't we do away with electric power? I'm certain tourists would line up to come to a country without transportation or electricity. In regards to tourists, apparently Mr. Paredes doesn't understand that they come from countries more advanced then the Philippines and that they do expect good transportation - that's not bicycles! They are here to enjoy and tour the many Philippine islands. They are not here to step back in time.

I'm sure Mr. Paredes intentions were very good but his proposed solutions were not well though out.

There is no quick and easy solution to the energy crisis or traffic congestion. I believe it is very safe to state Filipino's are world famous for being exceptionally undisciplined drivers and that includes operators of motorcycles and bicycles.

Everyday I witness operators of bicycles zigzagging in and out of traffic causing motor vehicle operators and just as bad. The best intermediate term solution is to make it illegal for bicycles to be operated on major streets, roads and highways. Also to remove all jeepneys and replace them with a public bus system that has scheduled stops, routes and operating hours. Functioning signal lights and traffic regulating signs would do wonders to help the situation. A very important step would be to make it mandatory for everyone to successfully complete an accredited drivers education program before being issued an operators license. That includes operation of bicycles.

Unless bicycles have functioning lights, front and rear, plus reflective tape they must not be allowed to operate anywhere at night. The same must hold true for any type of vehicle, especially those used for public transportation.

There are many thousands of bicycles used in North America and Europe and they are operated in a safe manner. They are not allowed on many streets, roads and highways for safety reasons. Unlike the Philippines the operators are very disciplined.

For the long term future city planners need to do a much better job of laying out cities, placement of shopping centers, manufacturing areas, residential areas, hospitals, schools, streets, roads, highways, location of public parking facilities, etc. Planners need to look at least 50 years into the future.

Alex Lee
Lapu-Lapu City