DOTr wants P1-B for 644-km Metro Manila bike lane network

INQUIRER file photo (NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing a P1.035 billion budget allocation for a Metro Manila-wide bike lane network.

“Tayo ay nag-develop ng plano upang magkaroon ng Metro Manila-wide bike lane network kung saan ang ating circumferential, radial and other major roads magkokonekta po para magkaroon ng integrated na bike lane,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Sector Mark Steven Pastor said on Teleradyo Thursday morning.

(We developed a plan to have a Metro Manila-wide bike lane network where circumferential, radial and other major roads will be connected.)

During his presentation at a DOTr online press briefing on Wednesday, Pastor said an estimated  P1.035 billion will be needed to cover a total of 644 kilometers.

Pastor said the bike lanes, with a width of 1.2 to 1.5 meters, will ensure the safety of cyclists.

“Permanente po talaga dahil ang ating direksyon natin ay ang promotion ng active transport dahil maganda ito mababawasan ang sasakyan sa kalsada,” he said.

(This is permanent because our direction is promotion of active transport which will decrease the number of cars on roads.)

gsg