Pasig City gov’t hopes to eradicate pollution through biking ordinance

In a bid to reduce air pollution, the Pasig City Council has approved an ordinance promoting biking as an environmentally sound mode of transportation.

Signed by all members of the council and Mayor Bobby Eusebio, the ordinance titled “Bicycle Transportation Promotion Ordinance of 2011” cited the need to promote nonmotorized transportation and also laid down the mechanisms, incentives and penalties for violators.

It was authored by Councilor Augustin Alexee Santiago.

“[An estimated] 60 percent of the air pollution in Pasig City comes from smoke-belching vehicles. The ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road has contributed immensely to the worsening of the air quality in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila,” the ordinance said.

It called for the designation of exclusive lanes for bike riders on major streets based on the Bike Map Guide developed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Bikers must use protective gear and rear lighting at night to avoid being penalized. Those caught without the required gear would be given a citation ticket on the first offense and pay a fine of P150.

Second-time offenders face a fine of P300.

Should they be caught without a rear light, they will be fined P200 (first offense), P350 (second) and P500 (third).

On the other hand, motorists obstructing the bike lanes will be asked to pay a fine ranging from P200 to P500.

Business establishments who fail to provide bicycle parking racks will also be penalized, with fines ranging up to P5,000.

To ensure the safety of bikers on alleys and narrow streets, the city government will set up bike patrols to monitor and patrol bike lanes.