Amid the proposal to remove the bike lanes along EDSA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has committed to continuously promote non-motorized transport, particularly for bicycle riders and pedestrians.
In fact, DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said they will even designate and reclaim more spaces to provide safe infrastructure for more efficient and sustainable modes of transport such as bike lanes and walkways—and that includes EDSA.
He emphasized that the promotion of NTP is included in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP).
“Under the initiatives of the NTP and PDP, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are being accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users, and mandates the government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure,” said Bautista.
“The DOTr heeds to the long-overlooked clamor of public and active transport commuters to have better commuting experience by pushing for expanded and safer walkways and bike lanes, most especially along national roads,” he added.
Bautista has been actively promoting protected bike lanes across the country— the goal is to construct at least 2,400-kilometer bike lanes nationwide.
For pedestrians, the DOTr is now working for the elevated pedestrian walkways in Balintawak and Cubao in Quezon City, Guadalupe in Makati City, and Taft Ave. in Pasay City, through the EDSA Greenways.
The project is expected to connect pedestrians and commuters.
Bautista said the prioritization of the bicycle lanes and pedestrians expected to gain momentum after President Marcos announced that the national government should prioritize active transport facilities to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.
“Therefore, the Department will continue its Active Transport program with support from the Interagency Technical Working Group for Active Transport (IATWG-AT) and local governments,” said Bautista.
“The DOTr heeds to the long-overlooked clamor of public and active transport commuters to have better commuting experience by pushing for expanded and safer walkways and bike lanes, most especially along national roads,” he added.
A proposal to remove the bike lanes along EDSA came up amid the DOTr's announcement that it would add additional motorcycle lane along EDSA which would serve as exclusive for motorcycles.
The proposal, however, was criticized as various groups and individuals argued that nn-motorized way of transport should be given a prioroty.