The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday turned over to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the local government units (LGU) the Bike Lane Master Plan, which aims to expand the country’s protected bike lane network to 2,400 kilometers by 2028.
Serving as a guide towards a more comprehensive, inclusive and equitable bike lanes network development, the master plan includes technical, institutional and information/education components, among others, that may be adopted by LGUs.
James Andres Melad, DOTr assistant secretary for road transport and infrastructure, said the Bike Lane Master Plan outlines the agency’s projects to establish active transport infrastructure to promote sustainable modes of transportation in key metropolitan cities.
“This plan envisions a comprehensive network of interconnected bike lanes that will traverse our bustling streets, connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses and recreational areas,” Melad said.
The DOTr, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and other stakeholders, launched the Bike Lane Master Plan that requires a shift to active transport and the establishment of integrated cycling infrastructures.
“The success of this master plan depends not only on the infrastructure we build, but also on the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It calls for collaboration between government agencies, civil society, private sector partners, and most importantly, our citizens,” Melad said.
With already 564 km of existing bike lanes in Metro Cebu, Metro Manila and Metro Davao, DOTr aims to expand the country’s protected bike lane network to 2,400 km by 2028.
For this year, DOTr has allocated P932.8 million to establish 470 km of bike lanes that will include pedestrian infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
DOTr has completed 30 km out of the planned over 400 km of additional bike lanes. The project covers nine regions — Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Nationa Capital Region, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Davao Region.
These are expected to be completed by the end of the year, while the maintenance and upgrade of the existing bike lane networks in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao are underway.
