The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started the construction of a two-kilometer bike lanes in some parts of the Commonwealth Avenue and Elliptical Road in Quezon City as part of its active and public transport infrastructure projects.
The Quezon City project, according to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, also includes 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) stops as well as sidewalk improvement in two of the busy roads in Metro Manila.
"We want to emphasize the safety of cyclists. We want to ensure cycling is a safe mode of daily travel, no longer just for leisure," said Bautista during the ground-breaking ceremony in Quezon City.
"The use of non-motorized personal vehicles has been embraced by many who vouch for the health benefits of this mode of transport," he added.
Bautista explained that the project will benefit around three million residents of Quezon City, especially that some of them are already appreciating the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation.
He said the construction project is expected to be completed by first quarter of 2024.
"The increasing number of cyclists in Quezon City can significantly help redirect this city's growth path towards preserving the environment. With clear support from the local government and civic organizations, we are confident this project will steer Quezon City away from the obnoxious sign of progress - road traffic," said Bautista.