Cabrera pushes for bike lanes

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera has proposed to provide bike lanes in designated roads and establish appropriate traffic rules and regulations in the city.

Cabrera’s proposed ordinance, which was already passed on first reading, also seeks to create Tindak Sugbo Board which will be responsible for the implementation of the bike lanes plan of the city.

 â€œIkampanya sad nato ang reduction carbon emission, kun ma-approve ni, part of the ordinance magbutang ta’g lanes for bikers,” Cabrera, who chairs the committee on environment, said.

Section 9 of the proposed ordinance gives the Tindak Sugbo Board the mandate to create rules and regulations for the implementation of the shared priority bike lanes program, create bike educational campaign program, and perform necessary actions to effectively implement the ordinance.

The Department of Engineering and Public Works in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Cebu City Traffic Operations Management are responsible for the establishment of the appropriate areas for shared priority lanes.

The proposed ordinance also requires the commercial establishments and other structures for public use to provide bike racks in their respective area and shall be painted with sustainability indices.

Section 5 in the proposed ordinance requires the bikers to make audible signal before overtaking, to be equipped with brakes, lights and reflector during the night, keep one hand on the handlebar at all times, wear appropriate bike helmet at all times for bikers 18 years old and below, and follow road signages, among others.

Section 7 prohibits the bikers under the influence of alcohol and prohibited substances to be on the road, no biker shall cling to another vehicle while dri-ving and no biker shall do any exhibitions and stunts on the lane, among others.

Failure of business establishments to provide bike racks shall mean non-renewal of its permit.

For the non-business establishments, a fine of  P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense.

Further, anyone who will violate Section 7 shall have a fine of P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P1,500 for the third offense.

The proposal, however, is already met with opposition as it is seen to worsen the traffic congestion. Mctevenz Noynay, a student who drives his own car, said he does not agree to this proposal.

Bikers, of course, welcome the proposal. Monica Manluluyo of Psychology Volunteers on Bikes said biking will not just help preserve the environment but also promotes good health.

“We are doing a lot of school talk we are going around schools right now. Since it’s already becoming a trend to buy a car when you turn 18, it’s time to buy bikes and also we’re using social media to spread about the campaign,”  she said. (FREEMAN)