Banning E-Bikes To Worsen Congestion?
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Council
started it all by passing a resolution that would ban light electric
vehicles like the e-trikes and e-bikes from being driven on major
thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
At the same time, local governments units in the 16 cities and one
municipality of Metro Manila also agreed to issue ordinances and
regulations covering the use of e-bike and e-trikes on secondary and
barangay roads in respective jurisdictions all in the name of promoting
safety.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office has come out with recommendations
to mandate registration of e-bikes and e-trikes before they can be used on
public roads or all roads built or maintained by public funding.
LTO also recommends that e-trikes and e-bikes can only be operated by
holders of driver's licenses.
Again these recommendations are all aimed at promoting safety on the road.
Many however see these initiatives by the MMDA, LGUs and the LTO and other
transport authorities as over-reaction to the instances of e-trikes and
e-bikes being involved in road accidents, resulting in fatalities and
injuries.
Many also see government getting tough on e-bikes and e-trike users as
over-reaction to viral posts on social media showing users getting away
with violating traffic regulations - counter flowing, hogging fast lanes,
ignoring traffic lights and signs.
Other posts going viral show e-trikes being used by minors-children- not
only on secondary or barangay roads but also on major thoroughfares.
However, some owners and users of e-trikes commenting on these viral posts
say they deplore abnd don't condone irresponsible use of this very
affordable and convenient mode of transport.
The irresponsible actions of a few are putting a bad light on the many
responsible owners of e-trikes and e-bikes, they say.
A member of a group promoting sustainable mobility and active transport has
come out to warn against such over-reaction like bans and mandatory
registration or licensing.
Roberto Siy Jr., co-convenor of Move as One Coalition, is quoted news
reports as describing the MMDA ban on e-trikes and e-bikes along national
highways and requiring users to secure driver's licenses as
"narrow-thinking."
Siy says this will send the message that people should instead use cars
which could worsen road congestion in Metro Manila.
He urges transport authorities to welcome the adoption of more electric
two-wheelers and three-wheelers which he claims are more efficient, offer
zero emission and are less demanding in terms of road space.
Some observers note that Move As One Coalition members have strong
arguments for government to promote and encourage the use of active,
sustainable and affordable transport.
However, they note that solutions or suggestions are not being aired or
floated on how to instill discipline, regard for traffic rules and
regulations, safe use of e-bike and e-trikes among their owners and users.
The ban and the proposals to mandate registration of e-bikes and e-trikes
as well as licenses for use on public roads were made because many users
are daily causing chaos in streets of Metro Manila and elsewhere.
Government has to do something about that problem. Those promoting their
use also have a responsibility to help government solve that problem.