Cyclists in Manila are unhappy with budget cuts: why they are protesting and what's in store for the industry
In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, cyclists are sounding the alarm over the decline in funding for cycling infrastructure and the focus on cars. Owners of eco-friendly vehicles are worried that eventually it will be dangerous for them to ride on the roads.
Public transportation and cars have flooded the streets, which prevents cyclists from moving quickly and mobility as they used to. Grist writes about the problem.
Residents of the city have switched to bicycles during the pandemic, when municipal authorities restricted bus traffic and imposed quarantine. People got used to traveling on eco-friendly transportation on almost empty streets without fear of getting hit by a car.
Over the years, the city has built many bicycle parking lots, paths, and other privileges for cyclists, but funding has been drastically reduced since the end of the pandemic.
The government has allocated 4 billion pesos (about $71 million) for bicycle transportation from 2020 to 2023. In 2022, the budget was 2 billion pesos, and in 2024 it will be only 500 million.
In addition, bicycle lanes are no longer a priority for the authorities, and roads for cars are being built and repaired at a high rate.
The cyclists are on strike and call for support to make them feel safer on the roads and to protect the environment.
