The Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked local government units (LGUs) to step up enforcement of active transport infrastructure programs to benefit cyclists and pedestrians while reducing traffic congestion.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the proper use of bike lane networks nationwide requires an effective enforcement by concerned government agencies.
“Perhaps proper enforcement is needed so that we can properly use our bike lanes,” Bautista said during the inauguration of active transport infrastructure in San Fernando, Pampanga.
He asked the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units to strictly enforce active transport measures, including the proper use of bike lanes.
“That’s why I’m calling on our law enforcers, the LTO, our police officers to use these bike lanes properly,” Bautista said.
Echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement of the government’s prioritization of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure as an alternative mode of transport, Bautista stressed the benefits of active transport.
“The active transport will not only support the riding public but also reduce traffic, encourage healthy programs so the DOTr has bike lanes all over the country,” he said.
The active transport infrastructure in San Fernando, Pampanga covers a 37.5-kilometer bike lane network along Jose Abad Santos Ave., Manila North Road and Lazatin and Capitol Boulevards.
The DOTr is implementing the active transport program under the National Transport Policy and Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 initiatives. The program has a P5 billion funding for 2024.