DOTr stresses proper bike lane enforcement

BIKE LANE AT EAST AVENUE / AUGUST 23, 2020
Bikers travel along East Avenue in Quezon City, as shown in this file photo taken on August 23, 2020. Local governments provide bike lanes for commuters as an alternative to bus and jeep commutes on their way to work. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday told local government units and concerned government agencies to properly enforce active transport measures such as bike lanes to further reduce traffic congestion.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista made the pronouncement during the inauguration of an active transport infrastructure in San Fernando, Pampanga.

READ: DOTr to continue promoting cycling, walking, light electric vehicles

“Kailangan siguro tamang enforcement para magamit natin nang maayos ang ating mga bike lanes (perhaps we need proper enforcement so that we can use our bike lanes effectively),” Bautista said in his speech.

“Kaya nananawagan ako sa mga law enforcers natin, sa LTO (Land Transportation Office), mga kapulisan natin na sana magamit ng tama itong bike lanes na ‘to,” said Sec. Bautista.

(That’s why I’m calling on our law enforcers, LTO, and our police to ensure that these bike lanes are used correctly.)

Bautista then reminded the public that one of the benefits of biking and other alternative modes of transport is the further reduction of traffic congestion.

“’Yung active transport will not only support the riding public but also reduce traffic, [and encourage] healthy programs, kaya ang DOTr has bike lanes all over the country,” he said.

(Active transport will support the riding public, reduce traffic, and encourage healthy programs, which is why the DOTr has implemented bike lanes nationwide.)

The active transport infrastructure in San Fernando, Pampanga, consists of a 37.5-kilometer bike lane network along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Manila North Road, and Lazatin and Capitol Boulevards.

It is part of the P5-billion active transport program under the National Transport Policy and Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 initiatives.

Bautista’s sentiments also came just days after the department clarified its commitment to continue promoting cycling, walking and light electric vehicles as sustainable modes of transportation amid proposals to modify bicycle and motorcycle lanes in Edsa.

READ: MMDA studying proposals to modify EDSA motorcycle, bike lanes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority previously announced that it is currently studying proposals to remove the motorcycle and bicycle lane along the stretch of Edsa.