
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will expand bike lanes throughout the country as it aims to establish 470 kilometers of protected lanes for cyclists in 2023.
During the groundbreaking ceremony of the expansion of active transport infrastructure in San Fernando Pampanga, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure James Andres Melad said the bike lanes will also include pedestrian infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
“An additional 470 kilometers of protected bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure will be built to stay true to our commitment of making active transport a viable transportation and mobility option,” Asec. Melad said.
“The establishment of the protected bike lanes will contribute to the change in perspective and hopefully result in a change in the way we view and use public roads,” he added.
The transport infrastructure in San Fernando, Pampanga covers 37.5 kilometers of protected bike lanes separated from the main road and separated bike lanes with bollards, which is seen to increase accessibility to key establishments and institutions.
At least 332,000 residents and active transport users are expected to benefit from the project.
The DOTr’s active transport campaign seeks to establish 2,400 kilometers in 2028 of bike lanes to provide safe infrastructure for cyclists, commuters, and other road users.
The transport agency has lined up road projects for 2023, including the expansion of active transport infrastructure in nine regions, the Intramuros Active Transport Infrastructure Expansion, and the Quezon City Bike Bridge.