Why don’t we convert the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) right-of-way to bicycle lanes?
That was a crazy idea I suddenly came up with as I passed what was once the railroad crossing along Pacita Avenue, where the train tracks have been removed in preparation for the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.
As we all know, the NSCR will run through viaducts above ground, which will eliminate the issues that had haunted PNR services in the past such as squatters living near the railroad tracks, the danger of at-grade vehicle crossings, and people hurling garbage or stones at passing trains.
Which brings the question: What can be done with the empty space below the viaducts?
I remember reading in the newspapers about plans by the PNR to reinstall the tracks at the at-grade level for freight train services. To me, however, that poses the same old problem of dealing with traffic at at-grade crossings.
Think of it: freight trains are usually much longer and heavier than passenger trains, which meant bottlenecks at at-grade crossings can be much longer than what motorists have been used to (even considering the fact that freight trains may be much more infrequent than passenger trains).
Not to mention that since freight trains are longer and heavier, they pose a greater risk to motorists and pedestrians as they can be much harder to halt if an errant motorist suddenly stops dead in the middle of the tracks.
Bike lanes at the PNR right-of-way, for me, solves all these problems and more.
For one, cyclists are assured of a dedicated place for them where they can travel without the danger of being run over by other motor vehicles.
Bike lanes will also tie in with what transport stakeholders have called for: a seamless transport system where passengers can transfer from one mode to another without hassle.
Dedicated bike lanes can also be an additional source of livelihood and income, especially for people living near the tracks (and by the way, the construction of permanent infrastructures below the viaducts could also deter the proliferation of squatters below the NSCR viaduct).
This solution can be a long way from even the drawing board, but I do hope some people at the PNR or the Department of Transportation (DOTr) do seriously consider this alternative that, in my view, will be a win-win solution for our transport sector.
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