CYCLISTS’ efforts to protect their lane have paid off.

Following protests from cyclists’ groups and a dialogue, Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), the #MakeItSaferMakati movement and the Makati Business Club have all agreed to maintain the protected bike lanes along Ayala Avenue. 

A joint statement released Friday said members of the concerned groups convened and arrived at a decision to heed the plea of the bikers. They would also jointly study and eventually implement alternative street design solutions. 

“After a series of conversations in the past two weeks, all parties agreed that it is to everyone’s benefit that Ayala Avenue remain a safe, convenient and inclusive transport corridor for all road users – including pedestrians, commuters, cyclists and motorists,” it said. 

It said the bike lane along the major thoroughfare would be protected.

“Moving forward, Ayala Avenue will continue to host a physically protected and enforced bike lane – with bollards to separate cyclists from other vehicles, road studs for better visibility and with enforcement through the Makati Parking Authority – supported by an intensified information campaign,” it said. 

The ALI, the #MakeItSaferMakati movement, MBC and other stakeholders would also  establish a technical group that would engage parties in discussions to further improve Ayala Avenue’s transport schemes. 

They would make this partnership a model for collaboration between various stakeholders in promoting bike and commuter friendly places, they added. 

Prior to Friday’s announcement, the conversion of the bike lanes into shared lanes, supposedly termed as “sharrows” was deferred from February 15 to March 6. 

Cyclists celebrate 

Cyclists’ groups celebrated the decision to keep their lanes. 

Lester Babiera, founder of cycling community First Bike Ride and a cycling advocate hailed the decision in a Facebook post. 

“Ang panalong ito ay para sa mga may mga mamahaling bisikleta, sa mga may privileged na maglaan ng oras mag-organize at mag-protesta, sa lahat ng active transport commuters, sa mga beteranong bikers at baguhan, at sa kagaya nila kuya delivery cyclists at maintenance kuya. Para sa lahat, walang pinipili. Para maging ligtas ang lahat,” Babiera said.  

Photographer and cyclist Miguel Nacianceno commended all those who participated in the fight to protect the bike lanes.

“Very, very proud of the people who worked hard to organize, to dialogue, to be a presence, to be a voice for commuters, safer roads, and more equitable cities. I’m so happy na ka tribo ko kayo,” he said in a Facebook post. 

Also read:

Cyclists welcome dialogue over Ayala bike lanes, but say fight isn’t over

Cyclists plea to be heard on shared lanes plan in Makati