All systems go for QC bike lane

In response to the national government’s energy conservation calls aimed at cutting back on fuel consumption, the Quezon City government has approved the setting up of pilot bicycle lanes on major thoroughfares in the city.

Manuel Sabalza, chief of the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), said Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has given the go-signal for the setting up of a 6.5-kilometer bike route in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

"President Arroyo will formally launch the bike lane on Saturday," Sabalza told The STAR.

He said the four bicycle lanes would start from Katipunan Avenue to EDSA, passing through Xavierville Avenue, Chico street, Anonas, K-16th street and Kamias Road.

He said MMDA traffic enforcers would start placing markers on the four-lane Quezon City bike route. The program will soon be replicated in other cities and municipalities in Metro Manila, Sabalza said.

The setting up of bike lanes comes ahead of the Quezon City government’s implementation of its local traffic code next month.

Sabalza said the DPOS has concluded a series of seminars for city’s traffic enforcers recommended for deputation.

He also noted that Ordinance Violations Receipts (OVRs), which will replace the traffic violation receipts issued by police and MMDA traffic enforcers, have been printed.

"The new traffic code of Quezon City will be implemented on Oct. 1," Sabalza said.