MMDA launches lend-a-bike on Edsa

The sidewalk on the northbound side of Edsa between Ayala Avenue and Magallanes is now a bike lane, the fourth to be opened by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which is encouraging the public to bike their way to health and a cleaner and greener environment. The agency is also lending bikes free of charge to commuters looking for an alternative mode of transportation on Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare. JAYMEE GAMIL

Aside from opening bike lanes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also launched a bicycle-lending program to encourage people to switch to the environment-friendly mode of transportation.

During Thursday’s opening of the kilometer-long bike lane on the northbound side of Edsa from Magallanes to Ayala, the MMDA kicked off its bicycle-lending program under which commuters may borrow the two-wheelers and biking helmets for free every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We wanted to have bike lanes on the roads of Makati to further promote the healthy practice of using bicycles as everyday means of transportation,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino told reporters.

He added: “These dedicated lanes are intended to ensure the safety of the bicycle riders who traverse Metro Manila’s major roads.”

Right now, only 24 bicycles are available under the lending program, 12 each on both ends of the biking lane. Those who want to borrow one should present a valid identification card to MMDA enforcers for registration at their starting point. They will then be issued a bike and a number that they should surrender at the other end of the bike lane.

Riders with their own bikes can park these at the built-in bike racks at both ends of the biking lane although enforcers tasked to secure these would be on duty only until 6 p.m.