Seeing the need for alternative modes of transport that can easily be acquired by lesser fortunate residents of the National Capital Region (NCR), President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he has ordered the DPWH to start plotting out a bicycle lane network in the nations capitol.

In his 12th weekly report to Congress, Duterte bared that the government has formed a team to prepare the design and construction of bicycle lanes in seven prioritized road sections in Metro Manila.

“With the aim of increasing mobility during the new normal, the Department of Public Works and Highways  has created a Technical Working Group to directly coordinate with the Department of Transportation and 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,” Duterte said in his report Monday night.

Seven prioritized road sections have been identified by the group that will initially be designated as bicycle lanes highways. They are EDSA, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, R-10, C-5 and Marcos Highway.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has forced quarantine restrictions on commuters making them find other ways to get around because of the reduced passenger capacity and lower number of public transport.

Currently, only trains and bus augmentation services, taxis, transport network vehicle services, shuttle services, point-to-point buses with limited passenger capacity and bicycles are allowed to operate under general community quarantine.

Late last month, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año directed provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to coordinate with neighboring local government units (LGUs) to connect bicycle lanes and establish a bicycle road network.

Año said local governments must also ensure that bicycle lanes are free from any obstruction to prevent accidents.

LGUs should follow the DOTr design approach of putting up plastic bollards, stencil markings and signage in the designated bike lanes for the safety of the bicycling public especially in major thoroughfares where fast-moving buses and other huge vehicles are passing through the same road, he said.

He also reminded LGUs to strictly implement health and safety protocols including the mandatory wearing of face masks of the persons using the said lanes and in all public areas.

The DOTr is promoting the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation that would be useful in maintaining physical distancing. It will also have substantial environmental and health benefits.

As more individuals are looking into the use of bicycles, the Department of Trade and Industry is also eyeing to impose price control on bikes now that sales are increasing. (PNA)