Of Pedicabs and Tricycles

Anybody who's driving in Metro Manila today has probably experienced the agony of being behind a pedicab or tricycle in National Roads. Aside from the fact that they slow down the vehicles, they have no shame at being on the center of the road and, worse of all, counterflowing. All these are illegal. Pedicabs and tricycles are banned from major roads. So why are they there? Better ask the local government officials who are sleeping on the job or deliberately looking the other way around.

So the driver honks at them to get out of the way. It's the only thing he has left. Taking your grievance to the local government is too demanding at the moment. And what does the driver get? A loud, crispy, and juicy curse from the pedicab/tricycle driver. For a moment you'd think the driver was the wrong party.

I am not against pedicab/tricycle drivers per se. I also understand that they have to make a living. But it should not be done at the expense of other persons. Moreover, earning a living should be within the limits provided by law.

After the successful campaign against illegal sirens and blinkers, I hope President Aquino's next policy directive is to implement the ban of pedicabs/tricycles in major roads. That would have a huge impact in the unbearable traffic situtation in the metro.