Recto proposes free and safe parking for bikes

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto has encouraged mall owners to provide free and safe parking slots for bicycles.

"It is not enough that we set aside passage ways for bicycles. We should also see to it that we have spots in public places where the public on bicycles can leave their bikes safely. Maraming bikers ngayon na hindi gaanong nababahala habang pumapadyak sa kalsada, pero takot na manakaw ang bisikleta nila habang ito'y nakaparada (Many bikers are not afraid while riding on roads, but are more afraid of their bikes getting stolen while parked)," he said.

Recto further noted that malls should dedicate and expand secure and free parking areas for bicycles.

"Malaking kaswapangan na kung pati bisikleta sisingilin mo pa. Napakaliit na espasyo lang mao-okupa (It is greedy to charge for bicycle parking. Bikes take up little space). Besides, cars can cross-subsidize the expenses in maintaining mall parking lots," he said.

Recto also said the government should lead the example by putting up bike racks in its offices and in public schools, colleges, hospitals and markets.

He further said bicycle parking spaces and lanes do not require detailed engineering studies, are easy to build, and cost little.

"If we are willing to borrow P11.5 billion for every kilometer of subway, then this is something we can afford," he said.

Recto, citing studies, said a parking space for one sedan can accommodate 10 parked bicycles.

"A bike is a social distancing-compliant ride. It will help fill the void in mass transportation that suffers from a shrunk capacity. In LRT 1, instead of 347 passengers per train car it will be 52; in the MRT, from 394 per car down to 51; jeep capacity is halved," he further said.