The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday unveiled a portion of Metro Cebu’s dedicated lane for cyclists, part of the government’s effort to promote active transport during the pandemic.
The road section is located along the SRP road in Cebu City and is classified as a Class 1 Bike Lane—or Separated Bike Lane— far from the carriageway. It runs for 2.3km with a width of five meters, flanked by a three-meter sidewalk. Sheds serve as roofing for bike racks and benches. The lane is also equipped with solar studs for safety and planters for future trees which will serve as shade for cyclists.
Spanning Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, the national bike lane program is a collaborative effort among government agencies—like the DOTr and the Department of Public Works and Highways—and private research and cycling groups.
To ensure the safety of bikers, pedestrians, and motorists, the department launched a free active transport manual in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, said DOTr undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor.
“Inilunsad ng DOTr, under the directive of secretary Tugade, ang isang bike lane manual. Ito po ay available online, mayroon din po tayong physical copies, ipi-print po, ikalalat po natin ito sa mga susunod na araw sa buong bansa, upang hindi lamang po tayo magkaroon ng protektadong bike lanes, kundi magkaroon din po tayo ng disiplina at kaalaman sa paggamit nito,” Pastor said.
With mass transportation systems forced to close during the onset of quarantines, the working public turned to bikes to get to where they need to be, creating demand for safer roads for cyclists.
Bike lanes in Metro Cebu are 63.96% complete as of Wednesday, according to the DOTr. This is approximately 88.84km worth of bike lanes.
NOTE: This article first appeared on Reportr.world. Minor edits have been made.
