As part of city’s commitment to sustainable recovery and reducing air pollution by 2030, the Quezon City government announced on the eve of International Bike Day on June 3 that it will further expand its bike routes totaling 161 kilometers throughout the city.
Lack of separation with motorcycle and vehicle traffic; poor bike lane visibility for drivers; rampant vehicle parking in bike lanes; lack of Bike Lane signage in many roads in the network; and existing bike lanes not being bike-friendly are some of the safety concerns on existing bike lanes and have since been taken into consideration as the City mapped out its plan with the various City offices and departments.
From an existing 55 kilometers, the city will extend its bike lane network to 161 kilometers, almost three times longer than before.
“We are working double time on this project so that the increasing number of bikers in our City will be able to travel safely without other vehicles running over their lanes,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said, stressing that it is the one of the city’s priority projects.
The first phase will be a short-term development that will include the improvement and repair of existing bike lanes and placement of temporary and semi-permanent traffic separation devices.
New bike lane routes have also been identified to improve route connectivity while road signages and bike parking areas will also be included in the network.
The lady mayor also shared that she already asked permission from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to implement this program along Commonwealth Avenue, a national highway.
In 2017, Mayor Belmonte, a strong advocate of biking, pushed for the approval of the Road Safety Code of Quezon City during her time as Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer of the City Council. The ordinance ensures the safety of all road users, including bicycle riders.
Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo noted that the city is planning to establish permanent bike lane routes in the long term.
Further, through the proposed Safe Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance of Quezon City, establishments and institutions are required to have bike parking and other bike-friendly facilities.
The city will also be working with the Move As One Coalition, which has donated bikes to frontliners, in identifying other possible routes, especially those that are near hospitals and community care facilities to ease the daily transport struggles of health workers. Through its Parks Developments and Administration Department (PDAD) and the Task Force on Transportation and Traffic Management (TFTTM), the city has begun construction of its bike routes and will soon lead to a safer, and greener Quezon City.
