Quezon City to start first phase of bike lane project:

This is a press release from the Quezon City government. 

The Quezon City government is set to begin the first phase of its Bike Lane Network project to provide a safe place for people who have shifted to biking due to limited transportation options during the community quarantine.

According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, the city government is fast tracking the project in order to begin its implementation this July.

“We are working double time on this project so that the increasing number of bikers in our city will be able to travel safely without other vehicles running over their lanes,” Belmonte said.

The first phase will be a short-term development that will include the improvement and repair of existing bike lanes and placement of temporary and semi-permanent traffic separation devices.

New bike lane routes have also been identified to improve route connectivity while route signages and bike parking areas will also be included in the network.

The lady Mayor shared that she asked the permission from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to implement this program along Commonwealth Avenue, a national government highway.

“Commonwealth Avenue is one of the major thoroughfares in our city so it is fitting to include it in our bike lane network,” Belmonte added.

The city government is also drafting an ordinance to support this bike lane program,which will strengthen the protection and support for the cycling community.

In 2017, Belmonte, a strong advocate of biking, pushed for the approval of SP-2636 or the Road Safety Code of Quezon City during her time as Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer of the City Council.

The Ordinance ensures the safety of all road users, including bicycle riders.

Assistant City Administration for Operations Alberto Kimpo revealed that the city is planning to put up permanent bike lane routes in the long term.

“For our long-term plan, the Quezon City bike lanes shall be integrated with the planned bus system routes and pedestrian network,” he said.

Banner photo from Wikimedia.