DOTr: 2,400-kilometer protected bike lanes to be completed by 2028
The Department of Transportation (DOTr ) has committed to complete the construction of around 2,400-kilometer bike lanes across the country by 2028 as part of the effort to promote active transport while ensuring their protection from road accidents.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said all the bike lanes that would be constructed are protected from motor vehicles, as manifested by the bike lanes that were already completed in some parts of the country.
“We will construct bike lanes all over the country. We are prioritizing major cities then the adjacent municipalities,” said Bautista.
Currently, he said there are bikeway programs in Laoag City, Manila, Quezon City, Lipa, San Fernando in Pampanga, Davao and Tagum.
Bautista said a total of P5 billion fund was allocated for the project.
“We allocated almost P5 billion for planning and implementation of active transport projects. We plan to expand the bike lanes up to 2,400 kilometers by 2028,” said Bautista.
Aside from cycling, the transport agency is also constructing walkways to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
“Aside from bike lanes, we construct walkways and also other transport systems that do not require a motorized or mechanized system,” he said.
President Marcos recently announced that the national government will prioritize active transport by creating facilities such as “safe walkways and secured bike lanes to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.”
Active transport, according to the DOTr, is in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) and 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. It also mandates the government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.