If the city really supports green transport, then they better promote it - not discourage it.

On the IDEA of Bike lanes, yes I am all for it.

Implementing it now in Cebu, NO I do not support it now.

It is nice to dream of our beautiful city embracing and supporting green and alternative transport. As an avid cyclist, I do wish that my city has bike lanes and that the citizens support bike commuting like they do in Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London and in any major European cities.

However, reality check this is not Europe and sad to say the citizens of the city lacks discipline and respect for bikers on the road. Traffic is chaotic. Adding bike lanes well not in any way help traffic congestion. More so it will only probably worsen it, at least here in Cebu and possibly anywhere in the country.

Motorists already lack road courtesy and driving etiquette. Cannot follow basic traffic rule nor at least respect pedestrians. Motorcycles driving on the wrong lane opposing traffic hoping the car "in the correct lane with the right of way" will give way so he can overtake all other vehicles and be ahead of others. Motorcycles do this a lot, but so does taxis and some private cars. Resulting to more traffic congestion. This typical driving attitude alone is already a big risk and major concern for cyclist. Adding bike lanes on the right most part of the road will only invite motorcycles to use that lane. Disastrous.

Another concern that should have been thought of is that, aside from the motorists, the general public does not respect bicycle commuters. They see bikes on the road as nuisance, as if cyclist has no right on the road. Pedestrians would just cross the road once it is cleared from motor vehicles, ignoring any bicycles. As a cyclist, you have to adjust even if you still had the right of way. And you'll hear from some of them complaining why cyclist are plying the busy streets.

Although the city is on the right track about alternative transport, the city council should have not done this in haste but in phases.

First, they can require all establishments, offices to have a designated bicycle parking or bike racks.

This way, we slowly integrate and promote bike commuting.

Then, slowly they would address unruly motorcycles and motorists by strictly implementing traffic rules. Actually, not slowly but implement it now like how it is supposed to be.

Third, improve our sidewalks so that it will serve its purpose. Pedestrians need not to walk on the road but on the sidewalks. Clear it from telephone and electrical poles, clear it from sidewalk vendors and other establishments (sari-sari store, hair saloon, food stand who are "squatting'). This alone will greatly improve traffic flow.

Improve the roads, then they can implement bike lanes once we have fluid traffic. That is, motorist would obey traffic laws, respect both pedestrians and cyclist and anyone using the road. Pedestrians and the general public will too recognize bike commuters as rightful road users.

Lastly, do an information drive and educate the public about bicycle commuting and alternative transport.

I do support bike lanes, but certain issues needs to be addressed first before jumping on the bandwagon on "going green" and alternative transport. And before I forget, trash the need for biker's permit and bicycle registration. If the city truly believes on a greener transport to slow climate change, then they better promote bike commuting and not discourage potential bikers.