Masterplan for bike lane in Metro Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Bike Lane Master Plan for the establishment of bike lanes in Metro Cebu has been finished by the United Nation’s Development Programme-Philippines and is now available through its website.

The plan serves as a guide for the local government units (LGUs) of seven Cebu cities and six municipalities on the establishment of bike lanes "towards a more comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable bike lanes network development."

UNDP also made a similar plan for Metro Manila and Davao. The project is part of the "Low Carbon Transport Project" of the national government, represented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The plan includes technical, institutional, and information/education components, among others, that may be adopted by the LGUs.

It would also be a big help to LGUs and transport stakeholders in promoting, establishing and expanding bike lanes.

“You will find relevant laws and standards as well as a peek into international models that help ensure safe travel and uphold the rights of the cycling public,” read part of the plan.

Since people walk or bike in the use of bike lanes, they are deemed as sustainable because of "low to zero carbon emissions at the same time affordable and a great form of exercise."

DOTr had committed to continue expanding the construction of bike lanes in the country as part of the agency’s active transport project.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said they proposed a P500-million budget for the "Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas for 2024."

Undersecretary Anneli R. Lontoc disclosed that the 2023 budget for the bike lanes project amounting to Php 705 million will be fully utilized this year, in coordination with various partner local government units.

“The 2023 budget is to be spent for the extension of the bike share project, for the maintenance and upgrading of existing bike lane networks, the establishment of end-of-trip cycling facilities, and construction of public transport stops," she said.

"We’re now processing the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) for the fund transfer to several LGUs, by October to November,” she added.

DOTr had already submitted to DBM documents as to where the active transport projects will be located. — /RHM (FREEMAN)