The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will not only continue but also expand the agency’s active transport projects to make roads inclusive even for cyclists and pedestrians.
Transportation Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said DOTr will continue establishing bike lanes throughout the country as well as bike facilities for cyclists and bike commuters.
“Tuloy po ang programa ng bike lanes. On the part of the DOTr at sating mga siklista, hindi po natin bibitawan [ang bike lanes]. We will make sure that the bike lanes will continue and will still grow,” Usec. Ortega said over DOTr’s Sakay Na! radio program on Radyo Pilipinas.
Under the Active Transport Program, DOTr plans to designate 2,400 kilometers of protected and dedicated lanes for cyclists by year 2028.
Apart from cycling, the transport agency is also constructing walkways to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said the national government will prioritize active transport by creating facilities such as “safe walkways and secured bike lanes to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.”
Active Transport conforms with the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Under these initiatives, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users. It also mandates government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.