Vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, now have safer, more inclusive travel options following the expansion of the government’s active transport infrastructure.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has constructed a total of 1,100 kilometers of bike lanes nationwide. The agency aims to establish 2,400 kilometers of bike lane networks across the country by 2028.
In Angeles City, Pampanga, the DOTr constructed a total of 11.1 kilometers of cycleway along McArthur Highway, from San Jacinto Rotunda to J. Valdez Street and along FilAm Friendship Highway, from Ponsettia Avenue to Don Juico Avenue.
The bike lane network and infrastructure in Angeles, Pampanga is a Class 2 cycleway delineated by pavement markings and protected by flexible bollards and rubber delineators.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said active transport is a good mobility option amid the high oil price. He also emphasized the importance of working closely together with the LGU, adding the DOTr will coordinate with the City Government of Angeles for the deployment of traffic enforcers and the implementation of speed limit to ensure the safety of cyclists.
“We have to coordinate with LTO that really has traffic enforcers. We will coordinate with the local government, with the DPWH if we can impose like a maximum limit on those with bike lanes. That will help make our cyclists feel safer,” Lopez said.
“They really don’t look behind them when they’re cycling,” he added.
Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin expressed gratitude to the DOTr for the expansion of active transport facilities and infrastructure in Angeles City, adding the project will encourage more Pampangueños to bike or walk going to work, school and to other destinations.
“We thanked the DOTr and Sec. Banoy for immediately constructing these bike lanes here in Angeles. It’s not just bikers who use bike lanes, but also those who work in other areas, especially since our gasoline prices have increased, many have been using bike lanes,” Lazatin said.
Meanwhile, cyclist Roy emphasized the importance of bike lanes for the safety of Pampangueño bikers.
“If there were no bike lanes, we would usually be on the highway and there would be no guide for us on how to be safe. We need a very safe, reliable and convenient path for cyclists,” Roy said.
