Bike Lanes for Bikers

At the Mall of Asia (MOA) and in other areas, there are more bike lanes now than before! And this is one good reason to bike to work. The presence of bike lanes is very encouraging to newbies and anyone who would like to try biking as an alternative mode of getting to the office or your place of work.  Cities have enacted ordinances mandating that bike lanes are set up on roads for the safety of cyclists. It is definitely the right time to try using a bicycle to get anywhere you please.  

The pandemic has made commuting very difficult. The challenge to get to work and go home by taking public transport has become unreliable due to unpredictable government restrictions. In this time, lucky are those who have cars or the budget to buy a motorcycle. If you have a very limited budget, a bicycle is a very good option. Biking to work is also healthier, better for the environment, and finding a parking space is usually not an issue. There are bike racks in almost all major establishments. 

Compared to a car or motorcycle, using a bicycle to work is safer and you are practically exempted from common traffic violations.  With the notorious traffic, riding a bicycle to work is also less stressful. Biking to work sets your mood to be more active and productive. Just bring extra clothes for you to change once you reach the office. 

Any kind of bike, whether it be a mountain bike, gravel, or a road bike will do if you are just starting to commute to work. However,  use a bicycle that you are most comfortable with. The bicycle should be fitted according to your height. A bicycle that is too large or small for you is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous to use on the road. I prefer a folding bike because it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. The folding bike that I use now is the Dahon Curve D7.

I and a majority of cyclists appreciate the government’s initiative to put up protected bike lanes. However, the use of these bike lanes should be monitored strictly.  Motorcycles are often seen using these bike lanes compromising the safety of cyclists.  It may be a good idea to allocate a lane exclusively for motorcycles. This is to avoid motorcycles from competing with bicycles in the use of bike lanes. 

For the environment and for a healthier way of living, biking to work should be encouraged. The pandemic has made mass transport not accessible to all. It is very difficult to get into a jeepney, bus, or MRT. The long lines of people who are taking the MRT or LRT are very discouraging.  You need to transform from an ordinary commuter to a battle-hardened warrior if you want to survive riding the MRT or LRT during rush hours.

There are noticeable improvements on the road for the safety of bikers.  Yet, there are still a lot of things that can be done for the safety of bikers. At night, bike lanes should be illuminated. Holes on the road must be filled up. Bike racks should be mandatory. Motorists have to be educated on the use of bike lanes. Strict enforcement of rules and regulations intended for the safety of bikers should always be done. 

The government has taken the initiative to encourage the use of bicycles by the masses. We must support the initiative. It is time that we consider seriously how the use of bicycles can help the working population and the economy.