Bike lane expansion, improvement still part of DOTr’s priority list

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced its Php 500 million budget proposal for the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathway Program in Metropolitan Areas for 2024. It aims to improve and expand the government agency’s bike lane nationwide.

The DOTr continues to expand its bike lane project

According to the DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, the expansion of the programs will be prioritized in metropolitan areas. Not only will the lanes be stretched but also widened, benefiting both bicyclists and pedestrians. Among DOTr’s goals is to improve overall active transport infrastructure along EDSA – specifically in Santolan, Ortigas, and Shaw.

Moreover, road markings would also be used to help distinguish bike lanes from pedestrian walkways, promoting safer travel for all road users. It is a joint project together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

These developments would be essential in achieving the goal of stretching the bike lane network to 2,400 km by 2028. Active bike lanes in areas such as Davao City, Metro Cebu, and Iloilo are also included in the expansion works.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista

In the meantime, the 2023 budget amounting to Php 705 million will be fully utilized this year.

“The 2023 budget is to be spent for the extension of the bike share project, for the maintenance and upgrading of existing bike lane networks, the establishments of end-of-trip cycling facilities, and construction of public transport stops,” said Undersecretary Anneli R. Lontoc.

“We commit to complete all the projects using the 2023 funds. We have already submitted to DBM where [the active transport projects] will be located,” she added.

Apart from the bike lane, the agency will also enhance other projects in aviation, railway, road, and maritime sectors following the approved Php 214 billion budget for 2024.

Some of these cover the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the railway network including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).

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