Pia Cayetano backs creation of more bike lanes nationwide
Published Jul 10, 2023 02:34 am
Senator Pia S. Cayetano has called for the creation of more bike lanes, not just in Metro Manila, but also in the provinces and other regions.
Senator Pia S. Cayetano with national triathlon coach Melvin Fausto, who hails from Pampanga. (Photo courtesy of O/S Pia Cayetano)
Cayetano, herself an avid cyclist, said this is in order to promote active mobility among Filipinos.
"I am very happy that here in Central Luzon, there are cities like San Fernando and Angeles which already have bike lanes,” Cayetano said in an interview in San Fernando City, Pampanga over the weekend.
“I'll visit the province of Tarlac next, where cycling is also being actively promoted. So I am very happy to hear the news about the construction of several kilometers of bike lanes here,” the senator said.
Cayetano commended the ongoing construction of 37.5 kilometers of bike lanes in the city, a joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
"If you're going to travel a distance of a few kilometers, why not use a bicycle, right? But of course, this isn't advisable if the ride would not be safe. And that's why it's very important for the government to support infrastructure that provides safe pathways and facilities for cyclists," the senator added.
Cayetano earlier filed Senate Bill No. 1290, or the proposed "Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act,” which was approved by the Senate on third and final reading last year.
The lawmaker said she hopes that the House of Representatives will act on its version of the measure when the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress resumes.
“The measure will institutionalize the policy that is already being implemented in many localities," Cayetano shared.
“We want our communities to be both bike and walk-friendly. Not everyone uses a bike; some prefer to walk,” she said.
“That's why I always remind mayors that basic things, like clear and covered sidewalks are a big deal. This will encourage people to walk, which is healthy and an environmentally-friendly activity,” she further stressed.
The usual complaint, especially in urban centers, that need to be addressed is when portions of roads would have to be shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, Cayetano pointed out.
"It is very important to have proper signage and education for everyone concerned, including the bikers, pedestrians, and motorists. Because there are really some areas where all three would have to share the same pathways,” she stressed.
“We just need to find ways for the safety of everyone," she reiterated.
Senator Pia S. Cayetano with national triathlon coach Melvin Fausto, who hails from Pampanga. (Photo courtesy of O/S Pia Cayetano)
Cayetano, herself an avid cyclist, said this is in order to promote active mobility among Filipinos.
"I am very happy that here in Central Luzon, there are cities like San Fernando and Angeles which already have bike lanes,” Cayetano said in an interview in San Fernando City, Pampanga over the weekend.
“I'll visit the province of Tarlac next, where cycling is also being actively promoted. So I am very happy to hear the news about the construction of several kilometers of bike lanes here,” the senator said.
Cayetano commended the ongoing construction of 37.5 kilometers of bike lanes in the city, a joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
"If you're going to travel a distance of a few kilometers, why not use a bicycle, right? But of course, this isn't advisable if the ride would not be safe. And that's why it's very important for the government to support infrastructure that provides safe pathways and facilities for cyclists," the senator added.
Cayetano earlier filed Senate Bill No. 1290, or the proposed "Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act,” which was approved by the Senate on third and final reading last year.
The lawmaker said she hopes that the House of Representatives will act on its version of the measure when the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress resumes.
“The measure will institutionalize the policy that is already being implemented in many localities," Cayetano shared.
“We want our communities to be both bike and walk-friendly. Not everyone uses a bike; some prefer to walk,” she said.
“That's why I always remind mayors that basic things, like clear and covered sidewalks are a big deal. This will encourage people to walk, which is healthy and an environmentally-friendly activity,” she further stressed.
The usual complaint, especially in urban centers, that need to be addressed is when portions of roads would have to be shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, Cayetano pointed out.
"It is very important to have proper signage and education for everyone concerned, including the bikers, pedestrians, and motorists. Because there are really some areas where all three would have to share the same pathways,” she stressed.
“We just need to find ways for the safety of everyone," she reiterated.