DOTr, MMDA to finish bicycle lanes this week

MANILA: The DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) have kicked off the construction of protected bicycle lanes on EDSA on 13 June 2020.

In a meeting late last week, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade met with MMDA Chairman Danny Lim and several other concerned officials including MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) Chairman Martin Delgra III, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, and MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Asec. Roberto Almadinto fast-track the creation of bicycle lanes which will be position on the road instead of on the sidewalk.

“Our goal is to move people while making sure of their safety,” said Tugade.

According to Lim, 1.5 meters of space will be allotted for the bicycle lane and its construction will be done in two phases, the interim and the long term.

The MMDA expressed its support for the construction of the bike lanes at the soonest possible time. MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said that the bike lane would provide at least 1.5 meters of space for bikers.

Early this month, the MMDA threated to file charges against a cycling group after they had installed a temporary barrier made of small traffic cones along Commonwealth Avenue to visibly create a make-shift bicycle separate from the vehicles.

On May 24, the MMDA held a one-day dry run of the bicycle lane on EDSA. It was situated on the outermost lane of EDSA.

The bicycle lane on EDSA is expected to be finished between today and Wednesday.

Photos from I Love Taguig Facebook page

Also read: Pasig City creates bike lanes, extends sidewalks