Duterte bares plans for metro-wide bicycle lanes

MANILA: Expect more bicycle lanes across Metro Manila and even beyond. That is the message by President Duterte after forming a team composed of three government agencies specifically for this purpose.

“With the aim of increasing mobility during the new normal, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has created a Technical Working Group to directly coordinate with the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) for the preparation of a conceptual design and construction of a Metro Manila-wide bicycle lane for national and local roads,” said Duterte in his 12^thweekly report to Congress.

Seven road sections have been prioritized by the team and these are EDSA, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, R-10, C-5, and Marcos Highway.

This announcement comes on the heels of the soft opening of bicycle lanes along EDSA on Monday. White demarcation lines separating the rightmost lane of EDSA have been drawn to visually separate the bicycle from the vehicle lanes. Certain sections have traffic cones, while others do not and others are manned by enforcers while some are not. Bicyclists are asking the MMDA for assistance to ensure their safety as motor vehicles tend to use the bicycle lane during peak hours.

Governors, city and municipal mayors are also encouraged to put up bicycle lanes in coordination with neighboring LGUs (local government units). It should follow the DOTr’s standard operating procedure of having plastic bollards, stencil markings and signage in the designated bike lanes for the safety of the bicycling public.

Photos from the Pasig City government

Also read: DOTr, MMDA to finish bicycle lanes this week