how backward is that?!

While countries around the world are moving towards "greener" transport systems, this is what our government is doing.... tsk tsk tsk....

Commonwealth designated for 60 kph; bicycles banned

Traffic authorities are setting the speed limit at 60 kilometers per hour on Commonwealth Avenue while designating it as a “discipline zone” where bicycles and tricycles are banned.

The Quezon City government has joined forces with three national agencies in a task force to kick off the drive on Dec. 3 to tackle the touted “killer highway” and other accident-prone city roads.

But Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metro Manila Development Authority had indicated no limit on a highway in the metropolis such as Edsa, arguing instead for more monitoring equipment such as radar speed detectors and closed circuit television cameras.

Officials from QC’s Public Order and Safety, Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board said Commonwealth would be monitored 24/7 to discourage racing.

LTO chief Alberto Suansing, Highway Patrol Director Perfecto Palad, Public Safety head Manuel Sabalsa and Board Chairman Thompson Lantion have put up Task Force Disiplina to make sure public utility vehicles stick to their lanes among other regulations.

“We will put up signages there. Bicycles and tricycles will no longer be allowed along that route,” Suansing said, inordinately cancelling out Commonwealth’s dedicated biking lanes.

MMDA executive director Angelito Vergel de Dios, in an interview, said the agency should have been consulted first.

“Commonwealth Avenue is an eight-lane major road. Why remove a lane devoted to cyclists?” he fumed.

De Dios echoed the position of general manager Robert Nacianceno, a clean-air advocate espousing bicycles as an alternative non-polluting means of transportation.

Taking a swipe at Fernando, Suansing said there was limit in Edsa, citing the Traffic Code (Republic Act 4136) which set 30 to 40 kph for streets and boulevards among other provisions. Joel M. Sy Egco and Rio N. Araja

Reaction from Boy Siojo, Firefly Brigade Founder/Bike for Clean Air Advocate:

I think banning bicycles from Commonwealth Avenue is anti-poor and anti-environment.

Why is it easier to ban non-pollutive bicycles along Commonwealth than:

• impound buses and other public utility vehicles who spew smoke from their tailpipes as if they were a smokestack?
• motorcycle riders who wear their helmets on their elbows?
  

Banning bicycles in wide, wide Commonwealth Avenue is like penalizing people who have chosen the non-pollutive cheap and efficient bicycle as a form of transportation. Utilize the wide Commonwealth roadside to build pedestrian and bike friendly pathways... showcase a truly GREEN Highway!

I thought it was a global trend to give incentive (recognition, money, in kind) to people, companies, industries who switch to greener technologies and lifestyles.

A true green city, Mr. Mayors and City Planners, is a walkable and bikeable city