Conversion of bike lanes on Ayala Avenue to 'sharrows' deferred to March 6

The conversion of bike lanes along Ayala Avenue to "sharrows" or shared roads  will be deferred to March 6 following the protest of cyclists and advocates.

“The Biking Community is an important part of the commuters we serve and we value their sentiments. We have noted all constructive comments regarding the conversion of Ayala Avenue bike lanes, particularly those that are related to safety,” according to a statement posted on "Make It Makati" social media accounts on Tuesday.

“We agree that the safety of all road users should be given utmost importance. As such, we will enhance measures to further protect bikers. To give us ample time to implement these enhancements, the conversion of bike lanes will be deferred to March 6, 2023,” it added.

With the postponement, alternative transport advocates are still hoping Makati will not remove the protect bike lanes on Ayala.

According to a statement from the #BantayBikeLanes Movement, there is a meeting set among representatives of Ayala Land, Inc., the Makati Central Estate Association, Inc. (MACEA) and the movement today, February 15.

There is also another planned community protest ride in Makati this afternoon.

The Makati City government earlier said the bike lanes along Ayala Avenue will become shared lanes starting Wednesday, February 15, to accommodate bikers and more commuters using public utility vehicles (PUVs).

However, about 250 cyclists, commuters, and even car-owners came together on Sunday to oppose the plan.

In a joint statement, about 260 individuals and 32 organizations stated that they condemned the removal of the bike lanes around the country, saying that doing so “endangers not just the lives of cyclists, but the lives of all road users.”

“We refuse to be divided and pitted against each other. We want just one thing: to arrive at our destinations and come home safe. We want to have safer streets where any person can feel safe to walk, bike, go on a wheelchair, commute, and even drive safely,” said the Move as One Coalition.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the Makati City government acknowledged concerns regarding the shared lanes but maintained that it will push through with its plan.

“We ask for your support and understanding and we look forward to nurturing the good relationship we have built with the biking community as we come up with more bike-friendly initiatives in the city,” the local government said.

-- Richa Noriega/BAP/LA, GMA Integrated News