The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday broke ground for the construction of bike lanes in parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said this would ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users.
“We want to emphasize the safety of cyclists. We want to ensure cycling is a safe mode of daily travel, no longer just for leisure,” Bautista said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The use of non-motorized personal vehicles has been embraced by many who vouch for the health benefits of this mode of transport,” he said.
Bautista expressed gratitude to the Quezon City government for its support in an active transport program that also aims to provide environment and economic benefits.
“The increasing number of cyclists in Quezon City can significantly help redirect this city’s growth path towards preserving the environment. With clear support from the local government and civic organizations, we are confident this project will steer Quezon City away from the obnoxious sign of progress – road traffic,” said Bautista.
The expansion of active and public transport infrastructures in selected parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City includes the construction of two-kilometer bike lanes and 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) stops as well as sidewalk improvement.
Targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, the active transport project will benefit almost 3 million Quezon City residents.
The agency started the construction of bike lanes in Lipa and Batangas City in Batangas and Antipolo, Cainta and San Mateo in Rizal last month.
The Active Transport Program of the DOTr is set to expand the country’s protected bike lane networks to 2,400 kilometers by 2028.
The government already constructed 564 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Cebu, Metro Manila and Metro Davao.
The DOTr allotted P500 million to construct more bike lanes and proper public transport stops this year.