05/09/2026
IN 2023, THEY STUDIED DUTCH CYCLING CITIES. WHY DID SOME BIKE LANES LATER FACE REMOVAL OR REDUCTION?
In April 2023, the chairman of the MMDA, Romando “Don” Artes, departed on a study tour with Metro Manila local officials to the Netherlands to observe bike infrastructure, active mobility, sustainable transport, water management, and livable city design. The local officials included Joy Belmonte (Quezon City), Ruffy Biazon (Muntinlupa), Francis Zamora (San Juan), Dale Gonzalo Malapitan (Caloocan), Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon), John Rey Tiangco (Navotas), Imelda Calixto-Rubiano (Pasay), Weslie Gatchalian (Valenzuela), Miguel Ponce III (Pateros), and Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos (Mandaluyong).
The Dutch have some of the safest and most comprehensive cycling networks in the world, along with excellent pedestrian facilities, public spaces, urban greenery, and a truly integrated mobility system.
However, after the study tour, different things happened.
On August 23, 2023, bike lane protective bollards in Ortigas Avenue in San Juan City, under the leadership of Francis Zamora, were completely removed, with the MMDA giving the advice to do so and traffic congestion concerns as justification.
In 2024, during an interview, then MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, revealed that the agency was reviewing a series of proposals to reduce, alter, share, or eliminate portions of the EDSA bike lane. According to him, the bike lane was largely unused compared to the volume of motorcycles using the lane.
It should also be mentioned that not all cities followed the same path. Some local governments kept or expanded their bike infrastructure and active mobility programs.
The important question is:
What have we applied and what have we ignored after analyzing one of the world's most bicycle-friendly and livable countries?
In today's urban design, which national and local policies promote active mobility? Which ones prioritize the motor vehicle?
Sources:
Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 2023 Netherlands study tour
ABS-CBN News, April 2023 Netherlands study tour delegation
Rappler, August 2023 San Juan removal of bike lane bollards
Manila Bulletin, August 2023 San Juan explanation for bollard removal
Philippine Star / Inquirer reports on MMDA proposals regarding EDSA bike lanes
