DOTr prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians over other road users

DOTr logo / Bike lane / Pedestrian lane. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Cyclists and pedestrians are the highest priority among all road users, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Bautista stressed that the government’s Active Transport Program should be boosted to ensure safer, more accessible, and more sustainable road transportation across the country.

“It is important to note, and we cannot emphasize enough, that the President, through the PDP (Philippine Development Plan) 2023-2028’s adoption, recognizes that pedestrians and cyclists should be accorded the highest priority among all road users,” he said Monday.

The Department of Transportation, he said, continues the mission of educating, informing, and enabling road users on the vital role of active transport.

“The signing of the Pledge of Commitment will not only reinforce the long-standing joint efforts of both parties, but it is a testament to the public of the commitment of the Department of Transportation and SM to disseminate information materials, especially now to SM Properties across the whole archipelago,” said Bautista.

In partnership with SM, the Share the Road video will be presented in cinemas, led screens, condominiums, and other high-traffic areas for maximized information dissemination among road users.

Bautista noted that SM malls at various urban centers serve as ideal locations to promote the Active Transport Program, such as protected cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways, end-of-trip facilities, and others.

Additionally, Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Pastor said the DOTr has established 564 kilometers of protected bike lanes in the past three years,  following the international standards in urban cities nationwide.

According to Pastor, this year, bike lane networks will be expanded by at least 470 kilometers.  — Meralyn Melitante, trainee

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KGA/abc