Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
On January 6, automotive journalist James Deakin posted on his Facebook page about the death of 30-year-old Lorelie Cruz Melevo, an AMA student and single mother of two children. Apparently, Melevo had been biking along the bike lane on Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina City on the morning of January 5 when she was run over and killed by a government truck. Cycling enthusiast Kate Lazaro posted on her Facebook page that the truck driver apparently was drunk at the time of the incident.
This death of yet another cyclist has netizens criticizing the lack of strict implementation of rules governing the use of bike lanes.
“…but the problems are,” enumerates Facebook User Ekong Caruncho, “1) too many vehicles occupy the bike lanes because ‘bikes don’t pass by often, so we might as well use them’ 2) They use them either to park or speedily overtake the ones in the middle lane 3) blue uniformed men don’t enforce the law. I still suggest we vote the candidate who will give us protected bike lanes nationwide.”
“Just like everything our government does….half baked with no sort of planning,” exclaims Patrick Co. “If you are going to have a bike lane DO IT RIGHT. Your stupid attempt will cost people their life.”
FB user Gerald Gaerlan was quick to point out the seeming errors committed by the city government when a bike lane was instituted along Gil Fernando Avenue where Melevo died. “First off the city government just painted an existing part of the road and did not widen the road to accommodate another user. Gil Fernando ave is a two lane road for each direction. What happened after painting a cyclist lane is that it took the space from the outer lane supposedly for cars/trucks etc… This bike lane along gil fernando gives cyclists a false sense of safety, but in reality they are in danger because this is a fast road most of the time. Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists need to be TRULY safe on the road. City engineers should design proper lanes, and not just paint and ID them as such.”
Arato Hirobumi seemingly agreed. “…I was thinking of an isolated bike lane, similar to what Iloilo has, just that instead of an entire sidewalk, barriers be put up for the protection of cyclists travelling down the bike lane.”
Motorist Denie Heppner, however, believes that responsibility lies with the cyclist. “…as a driver i have to be very careful to avoid bicyclists who are not properly reflective and not following driving rules. when they travel 2-3 across on a highway/road with no bicycle lane, they take up a whole lane, which is NOT a bicycle lane. and they often talk to each other, weave back and forth, ignore flashing lights and a gentle “honk.'”
Most netizens, however, merely expressed their sadness over the death and extended their condolences towards the two children Melevo left behind.
“I can’t say enough to hope that the kids be given the most comforting hug that I admit cannot possibly be the salve for the impact of losing Mom,” Johnbee Sales said.
Kate Lazaro offered this eulogy on her Facebook page. “I do not know Ms. Melevo personally, but her tragic passing saddened me deeply. She was a hardworking single mom, loved by family and friends, and a man’s irresponsible actions took her away from them. There is so much wrong with this that I don’t know where to begin. An innocent victim of our system’s extreme faults. My deepest condolences to her loved ones for her untimely and undeserving passing. Rest in peace, Lorelei.”
