The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to inaugurate this month the various bike lane projects in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao as part of the government's goal to promote active transport among Filipinos.
This, after the agency and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finally completed the 497 kilometers (km) of pavement markings, physical separators, and road signages in the three metropolitan areas under the P1-billion endeavor.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the setting up of these bike lanes shows the department's committed to promoting active transportation and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
"We intend to provide commuters with access to faster and efficient means of mass transportation, and to open infrastructure for active transportation such as walking and cycling," Tugade said in a statement on Monday, July 12.
According to him, the total disbursement for the three projects amounted to P1.09 billion under the Bayanihan Bike Lane Networks Project.
In the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila, a total of 313 km of pavement markings, physical separators, and road signages amounting to P801,830,479.93 have been finished by the DOTr and DPWH; 129 km (P150 million) in Metro Cebu; and 55 km (P145,369,391) in Metro Davao.
Republic Act (RA) No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act strengthened the promotion of active transportation by declaring bicycles as an additional mode of transportation and by providing funds to support the establishment of bike lane networks.
The DOTr, DPWH, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier signed a joint administrative order to outline the roles of national and local government units (LGUs) on the promotion of active transportation in the country.