CYCLISTS can now bring their bikes on board the trains of the country’s first mass transit system following Sunday’s launch of the “Bike On, Bike Off” project of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

LRTA general manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles said the project, which was formally launched at the LRT Line 2 Araneta Center-Cubao Terminal Station, aims to encourage bike users to leave their vehicles at homes and use the train, bringing along their foldable bikes, and pedal their way towards their working places or other destinations.

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“This project is a combination of two eco-friendly modes of transportation that will use a lot in easing traffic problem while at the same time curbing carbon emission. It changes the way car owners and commuters get around places, this time in a more healthy way,” Robles said.

Under the project, the LRTA will allot the last coach of the train as “green zones” to carry cyclists and their bikes.

The project will cover both the LRTA’s Line 1 (Baclaran to Monumento) and Line 2 (Recto-Santolan) systems.

LRTA Public Information Office chief, Maria Kristina Cassion said similar projects has been implemented in other countries.

"Biking on and then biking off has been practiced in other countries worldwide for so many years already. With this project, the LRTA will be the very first in the country to implement this environment-friendly mode of traveling, while continuing to provide a safe, reliable and efficient mass transport system,” Cassion said.

She said the project has the support of various environmental groups including the Up Mountaineers, Firefly Brigade, Padyak Project Foundation, and the Tiklop Society.

During Sunday's launch, several cyclists rode the train from the Araneta Center-Cubao to Legarda Station in Manila for the “bike on” and the “bike off” to Kilometer Zero (Rizal Park) to culminate the event. (AH/Sunnex)