The Quezon City Government will install new bike-friendly facilities to ensure the safety of the cycling public in the city.
“Nang magsimula ang pandemya noong nakaraang taon, nakita nating naging pangunahing mode of transportation na ang bisikleta. Kaya naman, sinikap ng pamahalaang lungsod na magkaroon ng maayos na pasilidad, daanan, at batas para naman ma-protektahan natin ang mga biker lalo na sa pagbaybay nila sa mga pangunahing lansangan (When the pandemic started last year, we saw that bicycle had become the main mode of transportation. Therefore, the city government has tried to have proper facilities, roads, and laws so that we can protect bikers especially when they speed on the main streets),” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. This is after the completion of the 93-kilometer exclusive bicycle lanes.
The new facilities are in line with the implementation of City Ordinance 2988-2020 or the QC Safe Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance of 2020. The ordinance, authored by Councilor Mikey Belmonte, ensures the safety and seamless travel of the cycling public in the city and promote a healthier and active lifestyle.
The ordinance mandates all city government offices and facilities to put up end-of-trip facilities or designated places that support bikers.
Among the facilities that will be installed include bike parking areas, shower facilities, and hydration areas.
Bike parking must also be established in all government agencies in QC, as well as in Metro Rail Transit (MRT and Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations in the city.
Further, through City Ordinance 2369-2014, establishments such as malls, restaurants, groceries, and banks are required to put up bike racks. Green rest or repair stations will also be constructed in public areas. Common tools such as bike pumps, hex keys, and wrenches will be installed in a manner that prevents theft and vandalism while ensuring convenience in the use of cyclists.
An additional 81.7 km bike lanes will be opened while a pedestrian and bikers bridge across Katipunan Road linking the Ateneo and Miriam Campuses with UP Campus will also be constructed. “Bilang katuparan ng ating mithiing maging bike-friendly city ang lungsod, tuluy-tuloy ang mga programa natin. Maliban sa pagiging mode of transport, mainam din ang pagbibisikleta para mapanatili ang malusog na pangangatawan at mabawasan ang carbon emission para sa mas malinis na hangin (In fulfillment of our goal of making the city a bike-friendly city, our programs will continue. Aside from being a mode of transport, cycling is also good for maintaining a healthy body and reducing carbon emissions for cleaner air),” Belmonte said.
On November 25, the local government will launch QC Cycle to End VAW as a kick-off event for the commemoration of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women.
This will be followed by the city’s celebration of the National Bike Day on November 28 to be held in the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) and in select portions of the QC Bike Lanes network.
Events include a Bike Bazaar and short training programs on the QMC grounds.