Bike racks installed at rail, train stations
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) through its Rail Sector has started installing bike racks at the stations of LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 and the Philippine National Railway.
The move is designed to provide commuters who use the rail system to commute from their homes to their places of work with a convenient depot for their bicycles.
Since Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine, commuters have resorted to using bicycles as their main mode of transportation.
DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade assures cyclists of convenience in using bicycles, and, at the same time, ensuring their safety on the streets.
“I fully support the establishment of the bike lanes as this active transport mode promotes a healthy lifestyle and clean environment. We will make this protected to ensure the safety of our cyclists. As a form of assistance to them, we have initially installed bike racks in various railway stations in Metro Manila. And this will definitely be replicated in other public transport terminals across the country,” the Tugade said.
The DoTr, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is fast-tracking the creation of bicycle lanes along EDSA to ensure the safety of cyclists, as well as to maximize road space use.
At the LRT-1 line, bicycle racks have been installed at the Central, Libertad and EDSA-Taft stations, with another to be set up at the Baclaran station.
At the LRT-2, bicycle racks have been installed at the Legarda station. Further racks will be set up at the Pureza, V. Mapa, J. Ruiz, Gilmore and Betty Go-Belmonte stations.
Those taking the MRT-3 line may park their bikes before boarding the trains, as the line’s management eyes to complete the installation of 34 bike racks at its stations from North Avenue to Taft Avenue for both northbound and southbound sides. One bike rack can accommodate five bicycles.
As a form of assistance to them, we have initially installed bike racks in various railway stations in Metro Manila.
Installation of the bike racks at the MRT-3 stations started on 22 June, with its North Avenue, Quezon Avenue and GMA Kamuning stations now having one street-level bike rack each on the northbound side.
Use of the bike racks is free of charge, although cyclists have to bring their own padlocks. Bicycles may be left at the racks during a station’s operating hours.
However, the public is advised not to leave packages and other valuables with their bikes, since the contracted security personnel will not be held liable for stolen or damaged bicycles.
The PNR has also installed bike racks at its Tutuban station, while installation at other stations is ongoing. Bike parking is free, but cyclists have to provide their own padlock. Claiming of bikes is within operating hours.
Cyclists are also allowed to bring folded bicycles inside the train car with a fare from their point of origin to destination equivalent to one person, and subject to disinfection.