Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has encouraged Filipino workers to consider cycling to work as an alternative mode of transportation amid ongoing discussions on traffic management in Metro Manila.
Torre made the call on Sunday, February 1, as he joined bike advocates during the 129th Tiklop General Assembly (TiGAs) of the Tiklop Society of the Philippines at the UP Food Hub inside the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The monthly gathering provides a venue for cyclists to share experiences, promote proper bike maintenance, and support community-based bicycle donation initiatives.
He recalled that cycling became widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, but noted that many local governments removed protected bike lanes after restrictions were lifted.
Torre said the government should remain open to alternative transport solutions and assess them based on present conditions.
“That’s one of the techniques, one of the things that we do: We get all the ideas. Shoot them down. Hundreds of ideas are welcome,” Torre said, stressing that proposals must undergo careful evaluation.
In a separate interview, Torre reiterated that he plans to raise cycling as an option in discussions at the Metro Manila Council.
“May alternatibo akong sine-suggest—magbisikleta,” he said.
The former Philippine National Police chief acknowledged the importance of bike lanes along major roads, but said they are not always feasible in narrower streets where road sharing may be applied.
“Pwede ka naman sumingit… you do it in a safe manner, ginagawa ko rin naman ‘yan,” he added.
Torre pointed out that the main challenge for cyclists is not road access, but the lack of facilities in workplaces, particularly for those who bike to work.
“Ang kailangan talaga ng mga siklista ay mga shower rooms at changing area sa kanilang workplace,” he said.
He added that he intends to formally propose to the Metro Manila Council the provision of incentives or subsidies for businesses that install such facilities for their employees.