The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to nearer standard sidewalks and bicycle lanes throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) after the approval of its Active Transport Infrastructure Improvement Program (ATIIP) by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The DOTr stated that modifications to road structure will be made during the dry run of the ATIIP will include improvements on road configuration, “widening of pedestrian walkways and protected bi-directional bike lanes.”
MMDA General Manager Ret. conducted an alignment meeting at the MMDA’s Makati office where the project was approved. P/Col. Victor Pablo Trinidad, an attorney for the Assistant General Manager of Operations, and Procopio Lipana met on Tuesday.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is dedicated to carrying out the plans outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, which was authorized by President Ferdinand R. On December 16, 2022, Marcos Jr. pedestrians and bikers would be given the highest priority during the PDP.
The ATIIP seeks to improve vehicular traffic in NCR by encouraging drivers to leave their cars at home in addition to enhancing the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicycles.
Senator Raffy Tulfo introduced Senate Bill 1698, often known as the Bicycle Act, which calls for the establishment of a Local Bikeways Office (LBO) to oversee the construction of infrastructure for bicycles.
The Senator Tulfo proposal will modernize municipal laws that permit the use of all streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, parks, and other public areas as bicycle lanes, like the one that was put in place in Marikina City in 1996.
The measure aims to set up a framework for a national bicycle law so that Filipino commuters can choose a less expensive way to get where they need to go while protecting the environment from hazardous emissions.
The measure mandates that bicycle lanes or bikeways, designated by the LBO and under the direction of the city or municipal engineering office, be installed on all major roads and highways.
The LBO will be a department within the city or municipal engineering office and will oversee the development and upkeep of a network of bikeways, including the creation of a roadmap for the bikeways; establish the provision of secure and well-placed parking lots, road signage, and maps; encourage collaboration with domestic and international organizations to make bicycle access simple; and conduct informational and educational activities.
Within 60 days, the LBO shall keep and maintain a bicycle registration. Every city or municipality is required to offer parking places, which are paid for by the local government unit by allocating 30% of their income from unrelated sources like parking and license fees.
In addition to adhering to the rules of the road, the cyclist is required to keep one hand on the handlebar at all times, wear a helmet properly with the chin strap fastened, refrain from clinging to other vehicles, park only in designated areas, avoid riding on sidewalks and crosswalks, and not carry anything on the bicycle unless it is in a basket, bag, rack, or trailer.
