At least 40 motorists were issued citation tickets for using bicycles lanes as parking spaces in Quezon City.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, they conducted an operation after bicycle riders complained that some private vehicles are turning their designated lanes as parking areas.
With vehicles blocking their lane, bicycle users are forced to use other lanes, which puts them in danger.
In a report by The STAR, PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that apart from disrespecting bicycle riders, using their designated lanes also put their lives at risk.
“Bicycle riders also have the right to use the roads especially if they are allowed to go through bicycle lanes that have been designated by the local government units,” he said in a statement.
The local government of Quezon City earlier said that it will develop a network of bike lanes throughout the city as part of its recovery program.
It said that it is now working on the expansion and improvement of its bike network across the city as more workers including healthcare frontliners use bicycles to and from work amid the threat of the pandemic.
The local government of San Juan also launched pop-up bike lanes in the city to provide people with safe transportation option amid the quarantine period.
Meanwhile, Mayor Vico Sotto has also encouraged everyone to use bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation to prevent traffic congestion in the city. – Doris Franche