Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 15) — The local government of Makati has deferred the conversion of bike lanes along Ayala Avenue to March 6, saying it needs ample time to implement enhancements on bikers’ safety.
This comes after cyclists and advocates protested against the local government’s move to convert bike lanes into shared lanes, or “sharrows,” that will combine the spaces for vehicles and bikes.
“We agree that the safety of all road users should be given utmost importance. As such, we will enhance measures to further protect bikers,” city officials said in a statement late Tuesday evening.
“To give us ample time to implement these enhancements, the conversion of bike lanes will be deferred to March 6, 2023,” it read.
The Makati government previously said converting the lanes by Feb. 15 was a move to accommodate more bikes and commuters using public utility vehicles.
Cyclists from different groups earlier took to the streets to protest against the conversion, reasoning that the removal of bike lanes endanger lives of all commuters, not just cyclists.
WATCH: Cyclists urge Makati govt. to preserve bike lanes on Ayala Ave.
The #MakeItMakati Movement said its organizers will meet with representatives of Ayala Land, Inc. and Makati Central Estate Association, Inc. on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the issues, including the bike lane width and the removal of protective bollards in several sections.
“Official representatives from Ayala have also reached out to us to say that they will be deferring any changes to the Ayala Avenue Bike Lanes until they have collected feedback and engaged in a dialogue with the biking community to exchange ideas and best practices,” the statement read.
“We look forward to working together to make Makati more sustainable, more equitable, and safer for all, especially for our most vulnerable road users,” it added.
At least 42 organizations and 261 individuals signed the “Protected Bike Lanes Protect Us All” unity statement to retain the bike lanes.
