The Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it is allotting P932.82 million to establish 470 kilometers of protected lanes for cyclists this year.
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure James Andres Melad said the bike lanes will also include pedestrian infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
“An additional 470 kilometers of protected bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure will be built to stay true to our commitment of making active transport a viable transportation and mobility option,” Melad said.
“The establishment of the protected bike lanes will contribute to the change in perspective and hopefully result in a change in the way we view and use public roads,” he said.
The agency said the regions covered in the expansion program are Ilocos Region, National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Easter Visayas and SOCCSKSARGEN. About 564 km. of bike lanes have been established so far in Metro Cebu, Metro Manila and Metro Davao.
The DOTr recently broke ground for the expansion of active transport infrastructure in San Fernando Pampanga, which covers 37.5 km. of protected bike lanes.
At least 332,000 residents and active transport users are expected to benefit from the project.
The DOTr’s active transport campaign seeks to establish 2,400 km. in 2028 of bike lanes to provide safe infrastructure for cyclists, commuters, and other road users.
The transport agency has lined up road projects for 2023, including the expansion of active transport infrastructure in nine regions, the Intramuros Active Transport Infrastructure Expansion, and the Quezon City Bike Bridge.