SBMA bars bikers from Freeport’s NCT Road

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File photo courtesy of SBMA.
  • Bikers are barred from using the Subic Bay Freeport’s New Container Terminal (NCT) Road, used mainly by cargo trucks
  • NCT Road has been closed to bikers since last month after an illegal race resulted in a spill involving several bikers
  • Bikers may instead use San Bernardino Road that starts at the junction of Argonaut Highway and Corregidor Road and loops around the airport area
  • Safe biking guidelines promulgated by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority took effect on July 14
  • Violators will be fined P2,000

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has prohibited bikers from using the New Container Terminal (NCT) Road at Subic Bay Freeport in a move to maintain safety on the thoroughfare used mainly by cargo trucks.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma announced the policy following consultation with cycling groups at the Subic Bay Freeport area and formulation of guidelines covering biking activities at the Freeport.

“We regret to inform bikers that the NCT Road is now off limits to bikers because we have to place a premium on the safety of all—whether they are bikers, truckers, or ordinary motorists,” Eisma said in a statement.

“We know that it has become a favorite place among bikers because the road is good and the route is scenic, but we have to set rules to prevent untoward incidents,” she added, referring to an accident that occurred during an illegal race on the NCT Road last month.

NCT Road, which stretches northeast of the Subic Bay International Airport, has been closed to bikers since June 19 after an illegal race organized by some bikers from Olongapo City resulted in a spill involving several bikers who converged on one lane to overtake a cargo truck. A 14-year-old biker was among those reportedly injured.

Eisma said bikers may instead use San Bernardino Road that starts at the junction of Argonaut Highway and Corregidor Road and loops around the airport area. “That area southwest of the airport, from the Acea Subic Beach Resort until the All Hands Beach Resort, is as scenic but not as busy,” she pointed out.

The allowed route stops short of NCT and bikers must turn back to exit at the same entry point.

The SBMA has issued guidelines for safe biking at the Freeport that took effect on July 14. Volunteer marshals from local cycling groups will help monitor and enforce the rules.

Violators will be fined P2,000.

NCT, operated by Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., is Subic port’s container terminal.