At least 24 areas in Cebu City have been identified as possible sites for bicycle racks to support a plan to put up bike lanes in some streets.
The sites are public places, some government offices, and institutions, said Rafael Yap, Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) executive director.
“These places (See Table) have a lot of visitors or clients so there’s a greater greater chance that the bike racks will be used,” Yap said.
The clamor for bike lanes is coming from environment advocates, the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) and bike enthusiasts. Yap said these groups would be consulted about potential sites for the proposed bike lanes.
The list, he said, would be part of the feasibility study, which the Cebu city government will soon submit to the Department of Transportation and Communication to support the city’s request for funding assistance of the bike lane project.
While Citom completes the feasibility study, Yap said he will sit down with MLC and bike enthusiasts to review a draft ordinance of Councilor Nida Cabrera seeking the establishment of bike lanes in selected streets.
Cabrera said she wanted the proposed ordinance to be presented to the City Council next month.
“It will just be pockets. We can immediately start implementation as soon as the DOTC gives us the money,” she said.
REQUIREMENT
Yap said that as part of a long-term plan, he would ask Councilor Cabrera to sponsor an ordinance that would require applicants for business permits to set up bike racks.
Cabrera’s draft ordinance provides for the establishment of bike lanes and bike racks.
Those who fail to comply with this requirement face a fine of P1,000 to P3,000.
It also imposes a fine for drunk bikers and those not wearing safety gear, and for anyone who would try to obstruct the designated bike lanes.