Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 31) — The Department of Transportation says it is working to make bike lanes a permanent fixture in Metro Manila’s streets in a bid to lower carbon emissions.
Speaking to CNN Philippines on Monday, DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor said even before the pandemic, the department was already pursuing the “active transport as well as promoting a low carbon emission transportation mode.”
He said the health crisis highlighted the need for an interconnected bicycle grid linking Metro Manila’s cities, thus the push for the National Capital Region bike lane network.
Pastor said they launched the interim hospital bike lane network last week in Manila and Quezon City to provide better access to hospitals, especially for frontliners who pedal their way to work.
For Manila, the route structure makes its way along Taft Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and the United Nations loop. It will primarily serve hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital, the Manila Doctors Hospital, the Manila Medical Center, and the Ospital ng Maynila.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City route winds its way along V. Luna to East Avenue, Elliptical Road to Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, to serve the Philippine Children’s Hospital, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Heart Center, the Veteran’s Hospital and the East Avenue Medical Center.
The DOTR said the intention is to have a more or less 600-kilometer interconnected and protected bike lane network in Metro Manila, adding that it plans to expand the project outside the region.
Earlier today, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said it is encouraging local governments to construct protected bike lanes and walking paths to further encourage safe, alternative transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the public transport system “can be a breeding ground” for the spread of the highly contagious disease, and encouraged Filipinos to consider biking or walking to work.
The agency signed a joint administrative order with the Department of Health, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Works and Highways urging the construction of safe lanes and paths.
The order also encourages the establishment of supportive infrastructure like bicycle racks and changing rooms for the commuting public.
