The Department of Transportation (DoTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will work on the installation of bollards, lightings on bicycle paths, and painting of lanes, as part of the government’s bicycle lane project to ensure the safety of the cyclists.
These improvements to be instituted have been agreed upon during an inspection of bicycle lanes in Metro Manila roads led by MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, and DPWH National Capital Region Regional Director Eric Ayapana.
“These improvements are part of the government’s efforts to make bicycle lanes safer and more accessible. We shall be assisting the DOTr and DPWH in the completion of these initiatives,” said Abalos.
Bicycle lanes inspected were those along Monumento Circle in Caloocan, EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth, C5 Road, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue.
According to the traffic chief, the safety of the cyclists passing through the bicycle lanes is the topmost concern of the government.
“We need mobility in the metropolis especially amid the pandemic and one alternative mode of transport is the bicycle.”
“We need mobility in the metropolis especially amid the pandemic and one alternative mode of transport is the bicycle. We are committed to ensure that cyclists are able to move while making sure of their safety,” the traffic head stressed.
“More bicycle lane signs and markings have to be installed.”
In the inspection of the bicycle lanes, the officials observed that pavement markings are not clearly seen and more bicycle lane signs and markings have to be installed along the bicycle routes and the need for protective barriers, among others.
Tim Vargas of Move as One Coalition said they welcome the teamwork of the agencies and vowed to support the bike lane initiatives.
Meanwhile, the officials are set to meet in April to discuss more reforms on the bike lanes in other Metro Manila aimed to promote non-motorized transport.