A massive community bike ride on July 5th sent a powerful message. The ride, organized by Cycle Savers, protested the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) plan to reduce and potentially eliminate the Commonwealth Avenue bicycle lane. The MMDA wants more space for motorcycles.
Hundreds participated. Over 150 cyclists joined the ride. Groups like the 350 Pilipinas Bike Squad, Happy Pedal Project, Make It Safer Movement (MISMO), Uwak Cycling Community, and West Crame Bikers were represented. Ordinary citizens joined too. Many rode bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters.
Jasper John Abunyawan of Cycle Savers led the ride. The Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), specifically the Green Transport Division, assisted. Abunyawan’s powerful statement resonated: “The bicycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue is a big benefit to daily users of it. We should take good care of it in the same way it takes care of us.”
The 11-kilometer ride from Quezon City Hall and back highlighted a critical issue. The cyclists witnessed numerous abuses of the bike lane. Concrete barriers, installed by Quezon City, were missing near the University of the Philippines. Vehicles are parked illegally in the lane. Vendors obstructed the path. These issues endanger cyclists and pedestrians alike.
This isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about safety. It’s about the lives of working-class Filipinos who rely on bicycles, or active mobility, for daily commutes. These are essential workers. They are teachers, nurses, office workers, and more. They deserve safe passage.
The MMDA’s plan is shortsighted. Metro Manila loses ₱3.5 billion daily due to traffic. More motor vehicles worsen the problem. Giving up the bicycle lane exacerbates this economic crisis. Investing in sustainable transportation solutions, including the bike lane, will significantly benefit the Philippines. It is an investment in the future.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about Filipino citizens who choose cycling for its affordability, health, and environmental benefits. The bike lane offers them a safer option. Many Filipinos have limited access to private vehicles and rising of transportation fee. The bike lane is a vital lifeline.
The community bike ride was more than a protest. It was a demonstration of solidarity. A powerful display of the cycling community’s resolve to protect its right to safe, efficient commuting. It was also a wake-up call to policymakers. Investing in safe cycling infrastructure is an investment in the future of the Philippines—economically, environmentally, and socially.
The fight for the bicycle lane is a fight for safe and sustainable transportation. It’s a demonstration of resilience, a call for change. It’s a testament to how the collective voice of the Filipino people can create a positive impact on the environment and the economy.
This issue demands attention. The MMDA, or any government agencies, must reconsider its plan. The bicycle lane is not just a lane; it’s a lifeline for countless Filipinos. The bicycle lane is alive. Let’s ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard. Let’s protect the Commonwealth Avenue bicycle lane and prioritize sustainable, safe transportation for all.
