30/05/2025
An Open Letter to Ms. Chin Basas-Faelnar:
I’m writing this not to spark more hate or create further division, but in the hope of bringing more understanding and helping move us closer to a solution—something we all badly need in the face of Metro Manila’s worsening traffic.
Nakita ko po ang sinabi ninyong: “Sayang ang space sa bike lane, wala namang dumadaan na naka-bike pero sila ang priority sa EDSA. Samantalang ang mga naka-motor, every year nagpaparehistro.”
I understand where this frustration is coming from. Commuting is hard. Driving is hard. But I’d like to offer a different perspective… coming from someone who bikes (almost) daily and (trying to) advocate for safer, more inclusive streets.
Hindi po sayang ang bike lane 🙂 Ang sayang ay ang pagkakataon na magkaroon tayo ng lungsod kung saan makakalakad at makakapadyak ang tao nang ligtas, malaya, at may dignidad.
Hindi walang dumadaan sa bike lanes dahil wala talagang cyclists. Minsan, wala pong dumadaan kasi natatakot sila. Kulang ang protection, hindi konektado ang lanes, at kadalasan, may sumisingit na motor o kotse.
Safety is a major barrier.
‼️ And just to clarify kasi hindi ito alam ng karamihan:
In the Philippines, pedestrians and cyclists are given the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.
This is not just idealism—it’s official. It’s in our National Transport Policy (NTP) and in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 (PDP). This means all road users, including drivers and motorcyclists, are expected to give way to pedestrians and cyclists—especially in designated spaces like bike lanes and crosswalks. ‼️
Hindi po entitlement ang pagpaparehistro ng sasakyan; it's compliance with the law. And that compliance doesn't cancel out the rights of vulnerable road users.
We’re not trying to take away space. We’re asking for shared space, equitable spaces. Where everyone can move safely, whether naka-bike, naka-motor, naka-kotse, o naglalakad.
This isn’t about bikes vs. motorcycles.
It’s about people vs. a broken system.
And I think we can agree on this: traffic affects us all. So instead of pointing fingers, let’s work toward solutions that serve everyone.
Let’s build a Metro Manila where people are free to choose different, better ways to move. Where safety is not a privilege, but a right 🙂
Ayun lang po, ride safe po palagi!
With respect,
A cyclist, commuter, and a Filipino who dreams of a better road—just like you.
