By Betheena Unite
Bikers can now use a 5.58-kilometer bicycle lane on the stretch of Laguna Lake Highway in Bicutan, Taguig City as the portion was finally opened to the public Thursday.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar rides a bicycle as he leads the 5.849 partial opening of the 6.6 kilometers and 3-meter wide bicycle lane along Laguna Lake Highway in Bicutan, Taguig City on Thursday,
(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
The three-meter wide bike lane was opened three months after the four-lane Laguna Lake Highway was completed.
“It is our priority to build safe roads and bridges that will also cater to bikers and pedestrians, hence the inclusion of protected bike lanes and sidewalk spaces in our new projects,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.
“The bike lane along Laguna Lake Highway is protected by a two-meter planting strip to make cycling safe and comfortable for everyone,” Villar added.
Aimed to open up transportation, recreation, and health opportunities, the bike lane component was added to the 6.94-kilometer Laguna Lake Highway which was constructed to serve as an alternative route to EDSA and C-5.
A total of P1.28-billion was allocated for the construction of Laguna Lake Highway, including the bicycle lane with provisions of street lights and road safety signage.
Laguna Lake Highway also features 1.5-meter wide sidewalks on both sides for pedestrian and an elevated dike to protect the people against flooding.
The secretary furthered that the road can also be used as a temporary evacuation area during the occurrence of floods because of its high elevation. (Betheena Kae Unite)