GM Nicolas Torre III Urges Workers to Ditch Cars & Start Cycling
NICOLAS TORRE III – As traffic congestion continues to plague Metro Manila, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III is offering a simple yet bold alternative for Filipino workers.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III is encouraging Filipino workers to consider cycling to work as an alternative mode of transportation amid ongoing discussions on traffic management in Metro Manila.
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Torre called on employees to rethink their daily commute and explore biking as a practical and sustainable option. He noted that cycling became a common means of transportation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after restrictions were lifted, several local government units in Metro Manila removed protected bike lanes that had been established in their respective areas.
Photo Source: Inquirer
In his speech before members of the cycling community, Torre emphasized the importance of keeping the government open to alternative transportation solutions and evaluating them based on present realities.
“That’s one of the techniques, one of the things that we do: We get all the ideas. Shoot them down. Hundreds of ideas are welcome,”
said Torre, emphasizing that each proposal must undergo thorough analysis.
He reiterated this stance in an interview on DZMM, where he revealed plans to formally present cycling as an alternative in discussions with the Metro Manila Council.
“May alternatibo akong sine-suggest—magbisikleta,”
he said.
Photo Source: Pinoy Fitness
According to the MMDA chief, while bike lanes are important along major roads, they are not always feasible on narrow streets, where road sharing may be implemented instead.
“Pwede ka naman sumingit… you do it in a safe manner, ginagawa ko rin naman ‘yan,”
he added.
Torre pointed out that the primary challenge for cyclists is not road access but the lack of facilities at workplaces, especially for employees who bike to work.
“Ang kailangan talaga ng mga siklista ay mga shower rooms at changing area sa kanilang workplace,”
said Torre.
READ ALSO:
Robin Padilla on Shaking Hands w/ Nicolas Torre: “Hindi ibig sabihin na aso rin ang ugali namin”