Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade has opened the P145.371 million bike lane in Davao City which spans 54.744 kilometers.
It was part of the government's P1.09 Billion Bayanihan Bike Lane Networks project, 497 kilometers of pavement markings, physical separators and road signages in the National Capital Region, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao to promote active transportation nationwide.
The bike lane network project was officially completed on June 30, 2021, and spans across 14 road sections within Davao City to include Quimpo Boulevard, Sandawa Road, Roxas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Quirino Avenue, E. Jacinto Extension, Dr. A. Gahol Street, Mabini Street, F. Torres Street, Loyola Street, Porras Street, Inigo Street, and Decasio Street.
“These are dedicated and protected bicycle lanes," DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade noted during the virtual inauguration Tuesday, July 20.
"Cyclists don't have to compete for use of the road, afraid of getting hit by other vehicles," he stressed.
To ensure the safety of bikers, the bicycle lanes have white and green pavement markings, signages, bollards, bike symbols, solar studs, and concrete delineators.
Bike racks are also provided to help bikers secure their bikes.
The Metro Davao bike lane project was funded by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11494).
The DOTr’s continued promotes cycling and other sustainable modes of transport used in the most progressive cities in the world.
The protected bike lanes will not only “provide safety and convenience for road users but also encourage the use of bicycles as a healthier and a more environment-friendly alternative,” says Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar.
In addition, the bike lane project will help hasten economic recovery by championing road safety and the importance of road sharing with the establishment of bike facilities, according to DOTr Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor.