Citizens pedal in protest as city announces removal of bicycle lanes, barriers
Hundreds of people reacted on social media and showed up for the protest with signs on their bicycles and scooters. Volunteers spoke out on the issue, citing environmental and transportation benefits to the lanes. More bikes reduce air pollution, shrink the carbon footprint, and decrease the number of private cars on roads.
- 2 years ago
February 25, 2023
MAKATI CITY, Philippines ꟷ On a Sunday morning in February 2023, people in Makati City took to the streets for a 24-hour community bicycle ride and protest. Intense emotions led to the event, after a Facebook post by Make it Makati announced the removal of barriers between motorized vehicles and cyclists. They also announced the removal of the bicycle lane along Ayala Avenue.
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Cyclists in the city rely on bike lanes to commute. They said the removal of barriers and lanes prioritizes motor vehicles over the safety of cyclists. The post said that with the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic, more people will be using public buses. The influx of passengers on buses requires more space for motorized vehicles.
Hundreds of people reacted on social media and showed up for the protest with signs on their bicycles and scooters. Volunteers spoke out on the issue, citing environmental and transportation benefits to the lanes. More bikes reduce air pollution, shrink the carbon footprint, and decrease the number of private cars on roads. They also pointed to fewer traffic jams and the savings they incur by purchasing less gas.
Read more: From jails to the community, man repairs bicycles to change lives
The community ride started at the Ayala Avenue loop and moved to Paseo de Roxas. Protesters made a stage for the protest at the Sultan Kudarat monument. Participants called on the government and organizations to focus, instead, on creating a more bicycle friendly community. Their efforts proved successful. Make It Makati announced, after the protest, that decisions on the conversion of bike lanes would be deferred to March 6 to consider the concerns raised.
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Author Profile
George Buid
George Buid is an independent photographer and journalist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. His work has been published in Stern Crime, Transcontinental Times, InterAksyon, and Deutsche Welle news. He also contributes to the news wire Zuma Press. In addition to writing journalism, George is a self-taught photographer who started his photojournalism career and visual documentary storytelling in 2014. He focuses on capturing stories of everyday individuals, communities, and culture. Occassionally, he also covers science, history, sports, politics, art, and human interest.
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Perfil del autor
George Buid
George Buid is an independent photographer and journalist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. His work has been published in Stern Crime, Transcontinental Times, InterAksyon, and Deutsche Welle news. He also contributes to the news wire Zuma Press. In addition to writing journalism, George is a self-taught photographer who started his photojournalism career and visual documentary storytelling in 2014. He focuses on capturing stories of everyday individuals, communities, and culture. Occassionally, he also covers science, history, sports, politics, art, and human interest.
Autor de líneas de autor
- Photojournalist captures iconic image of Filipino fishing boat eclipsed by Chinese Coast Guard vessel at the disputed Scarborough Shoal
- Ex-Senator politically imprisoned for years remains defiant in the Philippines, champions women’s empowerment
- Millions swarm Black Jesus statue in the Philippines in one of the world’s largest displays of religious devotion
- Annual Lantern Parade at the University of the Philippines Diliman lights up the hearts of Filipinos
- From cats in costumes to pet blessings, fur parents flocked to the Mall of Asia for World Animal Day 2023
- Bright colors and stunning cultural displays highlight the enchanting 2023 Aliwan Fiesta
- What does Pride look like in the Philippines? Participants demand passage of two-decade old equality bill
- Viral video of female cyclist harassed in the Philippines garners millions of views, victim-blaming ensues
- Hundreds attend Philippines’ magical Art in the Park event, raising critical funds for the art community
- Journalist escapes Ukraine, details harrowing journey at the border
- Philippines’ People Power Revolution commemorated as one of the greatest non-violent activist efforts of all time
- Thousands of female cyclists campaign to save the environment for Women’s Month
- The grueling life of a Filipino immigrant in the U.K., creating a pathway for her children
- Citizens pedal in protest as city announces removal of bicycle lanes, barriers
- Transformed parking garage stunning setting for Art Fair Philippines
- Oldest Chinatown in the world celebrates the Lunar New Year
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- Paper mache puppets tower above crowds at Philippines’ Higante Festival
- Climate change and rising sea levels in the Philippines devour a village at Manila Bay
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