MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will expand its Active Transport program to make roads inclusive for cyclists and pedestrians.
Transportation Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said the DOTr would continue establishing bike lanes nationwide as well as bike facilities for cyclists.
“Tuloy po ang programa ng bike lanes. On the part of the DOTr at sa ating mga siklista, hindi po natin bibitawan [ang bike lanes] (Our bike lanes program will continue). We will make sure that the bike lanes will continue and will still grow,” Ortega said over DOTr’s Sakay Na! radio program on state-run Radyo Pilipinas Wednesday.
Under the Active Transport program, the DOTr is looking to establish 2,400 km. of protected and dedicated lanes for cyclists by year 2028.
Apart from cycling, the DOTr is also constructing walkways to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the national government would 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 is in line 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. (PNA)