Bisikleta bilang ‘alternative mode of transport’

LUMALAWAK ang suporta sa panukala ni Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada na isulong ang paggamit ng bisikleta bilang alternatibong paraan ng transportasyon.

Ito ay sa ilalim ng Senate Bill 2317 (Bicycle Act of 2014, o Providing for bicycle rights, creation of Local Bikeways Office, establishing infrastructure in relation thereto…)

Ayon kay Jinggoy, “This bill seeks to promote an alternative mode of transportation to people by encouraging them to use bicycles. Riding bicycles has many advantages – it promotes health and leisure but also provides for an alternative solution to high fuel prices, increasing transport fare, traffic management, air and noise pollution and high cost of motorized vehicles, including maintenance and parking fees.”

“Likewise, in view of the fluctuating fuel prices in the world market, the State recognizes the need for cheap alternative means of transportation and encourages the use of non-motorized and environment friendly modes of transport.”

Itinatakda ng panukala ang mga sumusunod:

The national government and the local government units are enjoined to implement a nationwide program through the creation of a Local Bikeways Office (LBO) under the City or Municipal Engineering Office. Said office shall:

— manage the construction and maintenance of a bikeway network including identification of a bikeway road map. All main roads and highways shall be provided with Bicycle Lanes or “bikeways” identified by the LBO;

— establish provision of safe and strategic parking faci-lities, road signages and maps, including the planting of trees in designated areas of the network;

— conduct education and information drives on the benefits of using bicycles;

-cause all bicycles operating on the bikeways to be registered;

-maintain and keep a bicycle registry;

Each city or municipality shall create, through the LBO…, a Bicycle Park where provisions for bicycles are present such as… bikeways, bicycle parking areas and similar infrastructure.