Legarda Invites Everyone to Join Road Sharing Exercise in Manila

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to join and support the road sharing exercise organized by the Share the Road Movement on 7 February 2016,Sunday, from Mall of Asia in Pasay to Intramuros, Manila.

During the activity, half of the road from the Mall of Asia to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros will be for non-motorized mobility where people can walk and bike. Participants can also ride the Filipino Road Train, a hybrid electric train invented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The activity will start at 6:30 a.m., but participants can assemble starting 5:00 a.m. near the Mall of Asia, EDSA Extension corner Sunrise Drive.

“This road sharing exercise is a way of showing that we can lessen the use of motorized vehicles if we support walking and cycling through dedicated bicycle lanes, safe roads and sidewalks. This is also a call for the improvement of public transportation in the country such as bus rapid transit and reliable public trains,” said Legarda.

“I hope we can do these road sharing activities more often, if not permanently, through the support of local government units so that people can gradually see the viability of such a scheme,” she added.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced a special provision in the 2016 national budget that states that the amount appropriated for the transport and traffic management services under the budget of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) shall also be used for road sharing activities.

The Senator also explained that the road sharing movement, in promoting non-motorized and efficient mass transportation, also contributes to promoting a low-carbon lifestyle and economy.

“Studies show that carbon emissions from vehicles contribute to about 30% of air pollution in the country and this percentage is even higher in urban areas like Metro Manila where transport sector emissions account for about 80% of air pollution. With more of us walking, cycling and patronizing energy-efficient and reliable public transportation, we not only ease traffic but we also contribute to climate change mitigation,” said Legarda.

“It may take time before we see this road sharing concept come into fruition in all roads in the country, but with political will to faithfully implement our laws and the active campaign of advocacy groups, especially those behind the Share the Road Movement, we can make this happen,” Legarda concluded.