DOH: Pedestrians, cyclists ‘highest priority in hierarchy of road users’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday expressed its support for active transport modes such as walking, running, cycling, and commuting, as this will help make roads safer.

According to the DOH, these modes will lessen road-related accidents, such as vehicular crashes.

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“The DOH is thus affirmed by its partners’ commitment to pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicles (NMV) as the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users,” the DOH said in a statement.

Data from the DOH said that road-crash-related injuries are still the top cause of death and injuries, while in 2023, 31 percent of reported injuries were from vehicular crashes.

Active transport can also lessen the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, among others, the DOH added.

“[A]ctive transport can mitigate the increase of non-communicable disease (NCD) conditions like diabetes and obesity, provide resilience to instability in fossil fuel prices, and empower Filipinos to pursue sustainable lifestyles against climate change,” it added.

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Meanwhile, the DOH said it will continue to work for more road safety initiatives with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“As the chair of the Interagency Technical Working Group on Active Transport, the DOH remains steadfast in its pursuit to improve the awareness, understanding, and attitude of Filipinos towards road safety, and to promote and protect the health of each Filipino through active transport and a safe environment,” it said.