THE government is almost done with its P1.1-billion nationwide bike lane network program at around 93-percent completion rate, the chief of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he will lead the inauguration of the 497-kilometer bike lanes that were completed this month. The program involves the deployment of physical separators and road signages and the use of pavement markings for bike lanes.
Of the total, 313 kilometers were in the National Capital Region (NCR), amounting to a total of P801.83 million in disbursements. In Metro Cebu, the government completed 129 kilometers of bike lane for P150 million, and 55 kilometers in Metro Davao, for P145.37 million.
“It is in fulfilling the desire of the public, and commuters, the Department of Transportation has been implementing projects geared towards that end,” Tugade said.
The government’s plan is to complete almost 535 kilometers of bike lanes before the year ends.
“We intend to provide commuters with access to faster, and efficient means of mass transportation; and to open infrastructure for active transportation such as walking and cycling,” Tugade added.
The DOTr is targeting to inaugurate completed bike lanes in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and NCR within this month.
Active transport is currently being promoted due to the limited capacity and supply of transportation in the country. It also helps reduce the risk of viral transmission of Covid-19.