Local gov’ts tasked to set up network of bike lanes, racks, walkways

The national government has delegated to local officials the responsibility of making their respective areas more accommodating to bicycles, the transport of choice for a growing number of commuters coping with the lack of public utility vehicles due to community quarantines.

In a joint administrative order issued Aug.19 by the interior, health, public works and transportation departments, local governments are “strongly enjoined” to coordinate with each other for the establishment of a “network of bike lanes’’ and the improvement of walkways and sidewalks for inter-city travel.

The local governments are also directed to “incentivize” the provision of bicycle racks and showers in commercial, community and activity centers, workplaces, and buildings.

They are also asked to review existing ordinances and plans related to urban transportation, and coordinate with national agencies for the issuance of permits for the construction of facilities that will make their areas more biker-friendly. —Jodee A. Agoncillo