The Quezon City government is set to begin the first phase of its bike lane network project to provide a safe place for people who have shifted to biking due to limited transportation options during the lockdown.
Mayor Joy Belmonte vowed to fast track the project to begin its implementation in July.
“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,” she said.
The first phase would be a short-term development to include the improvement and repair of existing bike lanes and placement of temporary and semi-permanent traffic separation devices.
The new bike lane routes have also been identified to improve route connectivity, while route signages and bike parking areas would also be included in the network.
According to Belmonte, she has asked permission from the Metro Manila Development Authority to implement the city's program along Commonwealth Avenue.
“Commonwealth Avenue is one of the major thoroughfares in our city so it is fitting to include it in our bike lane network,” she said.
The city government is also drafting an ordinance to support this bike lane program to strengthen the protection and support for the cycling community.
In 2017, Belmonte, a strong advocate of biking, pushed for the approval of SP-2636 or the Road Safety Code of Quezon City during her time as vice mayor and presiding officer of the 37-member city council.
Assistant city administration for operations Alberto Kimpo said the city was planning to establish permanent bike lane routes.
“For our long-term plan, the Quezon City bike lanes shall be integrated with the planned bus system routes and pedestrian network," he said.