DOTr seeks P1 billion for Metro Manila bike lanes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking P1.04 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 for the development of a Metro Manila-wide bicycle lane network spanning 644 kilometers.

The bike lane network will cover circumferential, radial and other major thoroughfares in the metropolis.

“We are coordinating with congressmen and senators and hopefully, we will be given a budget for the project this year under Bayahinan 2,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for road sector Mark Steven Pastor said yesterday.

Pastor said circumferential roads would cover C1, C2, C3, C4, EDSA line, C5, C5 Extension and C6, spanning a total of 204.5 kilometers.

Radial roads covered are R1, R10, R2, R4, R5 and R9, with a network spanning 295.22 kilometers.

Pastor said a total of 68-kilometer bike lane network would be put up for Ortigas, Buendia, White Plains, Estrella, Ayala and Manggahan.

He said the planned EDSA bicycle lane would be established along the EDSA corridor.

Hospital bike lanes

The DOTr, in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways, is also developing interim hospital bike lanes in Manila and Quezon City to make hospitals more accessible for those using bicycles, especially medical workers.

The interim bike network for Manila is expected to serve the Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Manila Medical Center and Ospital ng Maynila.

The bike lanes for Quezon City will serve the Philippine Children’s Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center and East Avenue Medical Center.

The DOTr targets to complete the interim hospital bike lanes on Aug. 26.