Davao City LGU to put up bike lanes

 

A thoroughfare in Davao City, the local government is planning to put up bike lanes as many residents are turning to bicycles

DAVAO CITY, June 4 (PIA)- The head of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has confirmed the putting up of bicycle lanes in the city thoroughfares, as many people turn to bicycle as alternative mode of transportation to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in the “new normal.”

The City Government recognizes the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation as many people return to work, as the city shifted from enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine.

Dionisio Abude, chief of the CTTMO said that the bicycle lane implementation will involve assigning dedicated lanes on the city streets, setting up of thermo plastics and signages like yield to bike and in every 250 meters of the road.

He said the city government has the budget for the project already.

“Initially, the CTTMO will use paints intended for Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan to jumpstart the project,” Abude said.

He said the CTTMO intends to finish the road markings for bike lanes from 15 to 20 days of June 2020.

The City Council approved two ordinances as bases for the creation of bicycle lanes in 2010 and 2012.

Abude said bicycle registration is a must with the corresponding life insurance for the rider and the classification of usage.

He said for the 16 years old and below, the bike maybe used as a ride to the school or performing errands, while 17 years old and above it may be used for sports, leisure or livelihood.

Abude explained that the registration of bicycles has been going on since 2019, with only 250 registered from all over the city.

“Registration is important to be used in litigation when road accidents involving bicycle and its rider occur.  We have to consider the cases like destruction of life and property,” he said.

The bicycle registration is at P150, annually.

Abude cited based on the local policy, the need for a horn, side mirror, reflector and helmet as requirements the bike has before the use of the bike lanes.

He clarified that there is no enforcement of the laws governing the use of bicycles yet.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)