As the government continues to dedicate bike lanes in different urban areas, several motorists have expressed concern over the growing number of erring cyclists who blatantly ignore traffic laws.
However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured that it is not taking this issue lightly. Assistant transport secretary Steve Pastor reminded bicycle users who disregard the rules and pose danger to other road users: “Discipline should start from themselves (bikers).”
Among the common traffic violations by cyclists using the bike lanes are counterflowing, speeding, ignoring pedestrian lanes, showboating, and beating the red light, just to name a few.
To help enforcers carry out regulations, Pastor suggested that officials of local government units pass a city or municipal ordinance making bikers liable for their unruly behavior on the road.
There were also suggestions to require cyclists to wear proper riding gear like a bicycle helmet, shoes, gloves and protective eyewear, especially when they use bike lanes.
“Patuloy tayong nakikipag-coordinate sa mga enforcers tulad ng Land Transportation Office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police at ganun na rin po sa ating mga local government unit upang sila ay magpasa ng mga ordinansa para mag-penalize sa mga hindi sumusunod sa traffic rules and regulations,” Pastor emphasized.
He also assured that DOTr will continue distributing Bike Manuals to remind bikers on traffic discipline and the proper use of bike lanes.(Top Bikes)
