CYCLISTS in Cagayan de Oro are raising concerns over a new executive order from Mayor Rolando Uy that restricts bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles from using Macasandig Boulevard’s road and sidewalk. The order has sparked criticism on social media from local cyclists and climate advocates.
Before the opening of the boulevard to the public on Tuesday, November 12, cyclists were still allowed to pass through the area unrestrained. However, this all changed.
In line with Executive Order No. 446-2024 A, certain vehicles will be restricted, including trucks with a gross weight over 4500 kgs, motorelas, tricabs, motorized sikads, bicycles, pushcarts, food carts, roller skates, and skateboards.
As a climate justice advocate and avid cyclist, Pat Pangantihon said that he supports the promotion of cycling as a sustainable form of transportation.
He pointed out that there is no empirical data that shows that cyclists are a danger to others, or be endangered by other vehicles.
“Public roads belong to the public. Why should private cars have exclusive use? This is an anti-poor measure,” Pangantihon told Gold Star Daily.
In an interview with two cyclists, they expressed their thoughts on the opening and the exclusion of bicycles from using the boulevard.
Stating the boulevard should be accessible to cyclists. They emphasized that bicycles are no longer used solely for recreational purposes; they are now commonly used as a primary mode of transportation for commuting to and from work ― this also includes food delivery riders.
“Dapat pa agian og bike, basta mag agi lang sa bike lane or sa kilid lang. Mas maka sabot ko if trucks ang gi bawal kay bugat, pero bike okay ra jud. Naa pod baya uban mag trabaho gamit ang bike, kay dili sila paka afford ug motor,” Carlyl Vargas an avid cyclist said.
Karen Ariate who frequently rides and jogs in the area said “Dapat ipa-agi ang bike kay daghan trabahante nga ga inot pag budget sa ilang kwarta.”
The Roads and Traffic Administration, Department Manager, Engr. Nonito Oclarit stated that only private light vehicles and taxis are allowed to pass through Macasandig Boulevard.
Unfortunately, bicycles, despite being used as a common mode of transportation by many are included on the list of prohibited vehicles to use the boulevard.
Chairman Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy of the Rio de Oro Boulevard Management Committee firmly states that bicycles are prohibited from passing through the boulevard, for safety reasons.
“Sidewalks are for pedestrians not for bicycles. Safety is the primary reason bicycles are not allowed. We are expecting vehicular traffic to become heavy on the boulevard. Similar to joggers whom we discourage on the vehicular travel lane, safety is the primary reason.”
He added, “Maybe later this may be reconsidered, but as of now, bicycles are prohibited.”
Meanwhile, residents in the area are raising concerns about the enforcement of the 30 km/h speed limit, which is being ignored. They are calling on the responsible department to implement stricter enforcement in the area.
“Gihimo na gani practice racing track around 9:30 pm ganina nga naa ra ko balay diri Tibasak," said one of the residents.
Another told Gold Star Daily: “Naa gyuy mga bawal gahapon nangagi baaah.. naa pa gyud mga kusog padagan na 30kph ra man kaha ang speed limit.”
“I hope this [EO] will be obeyed and followed,” said one of the comments on our social media.
While some individuals expressed displeasure at the inclusion of bicycles on the prohibited list, many others welcomed the opening of Macasandig Boulevard.
Numerous people praised the local government for allowing vehicles in the area, calling the decision “timely” given the worsening traffic during rush hours.
