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

CYCLING communities welcomed the move of Makati City authorities to postpone the conversion of bike lanes along Ayala Avenue  into shared lanes or “sharrows,” as well as the city’s  invitation for dialogue to discuss the issue. 

But the fight is far from over. 

From the original February 15 implementation, the conversion of the lanes was deferred to March 6. 

Cyclists’ groups hailed this decision of Make It Makati, the joint collaboration of the city government, Ayala Land Inc. and the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA) .

More feedback sought 

They also said Makati City representatives reached out to them and explained that  the move has been postponed until they have collected feedback and engaged in a dialogue with the biking community to exchange ideas and best practices. 

“This includes reviewing the protected bike lane width which had been reduced by half even before the announced effective date on February 15. Protective bollards in several sections have also been removed prior to this announced effective date,” they said. 

The cyclists and the Makati officials held a meeting on February 15, but the groups have yet to release updates about this. 

According to the cyclists, the Ayala Avenue bike lanes actually set the gold standard for bike lane width and protection. These serve the needs of all types of commuters, and not just cyclists, they said. 

“We believe that Makati should continue to lead the country in best practices,” they added. 

They also thanked everyone who extended help in amplifying the fight for a safer biking culture. 

Last Sunday, February 12, over 200 cyclists gathered at Ayala Avenue to protest the conversion of bike lanes into sharrows. 

According to them, this move may put them in harm’s way. They would be at risk if they have to share their lane with other vehicle users, they said.