THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opened today a motorcycle and bicycle repair station located at the ground level of the Quezon Avenue flyover along EDSA.
The station was created to attend to the needs of motorcycle riders and cyclists who may need emergency road assistance.
The repair station is open from 5 am to 9 pm and is equipped with basic repair and vulcanizing tools, including trained MMDA personnel who will help those whose bikes and motorcycles broke down on the road.
Currently, there are two repair stations in EDSA and another one in Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
“The thrust of this project is to provide free space and assistance in cases where emergency repairs are needed rather than towing the vehicles outright. The only time the vehicle will be towed is when it is beyond repair,” MMDA Chairman Attorney Romando Artes said during the launch.
Artes said that the agency will put up more motorcycle and bicycle repair stations in different strategic locations all over Metro Manila where cyclists and motorcycle riders usually traverse and will eventually expand the project to also cater to four-wheel vehicles.
Congressman-elect Bonifacio Bosita of 1Rider Partylist, who is also present during the event, expressed support for the project.
“This will surely make the rider community happy since they now have a place to go to in case they need emergency repairs,” Bosita said.
Artes also advised cyclists to practice road safety measures and warned motorcycle riders who are entering bike lanes that they will be apprehended via the agency’s No Contact Apprehension Policy.
He noted that the MMDA will continue to push for its proposal to have elevated bike lanes and walkway and is still studying proposals and will consult stakeholders on whether to give motorcycles a dedicated lane along major thoroughfares.
Meanwhile, Artes said that the agency doesn’t see the need to expand the existing 5 pm-8 pm number coding scheme as vehicles on the road continue to decrease because of high fuel prices