Quezon City council OKs more support for cyclists

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City council has approved a proposal that will institutionalize local government support for cyclists, including the provision of hydration, repair and shower facilities in different parts of the city.

The city council recently approved the proposed safe cycling and active transport ordinance authored by District 2 Councilor Mikey Belmonte.

“We want to go the extra mile for Quezon City’s residents by promoting cycling as a convenient alternative,” Belmonte said in a statement on Friday.

The proposal will institutionalize policies to support alternative transport such as cycling. Once enacted, it will establish a Bicycle and Active Transport Section under the Green Transport Office of the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety.

The new office will spearhead the identification and establishment of a network of cycling lanes and walking paths in the city.

According to Belmonte, a major provision of the ordinance includes laying down around 90 kilometers of bike lanes throughout the city, strategically placed for easier access to vital establishments such as hospitals, markets, transport terminals, educational institutions and government offices.

Hydration facilities and green rest and repair stations with tools will also be provided along these routes. Changing rooms and shower facilities will also be established.

The ordinance also proposed the establishment of dedicated parking stations for all modes of active transportation, including e-bikes and e-kick scooters.

In developing the ordinance, Belmonte said the city’s legislative body worked with various cycling groups.

“We wanted to take a more holistic approach by working closely with cycling groups such as Cycling Matters, Electric Kick Scooter PH, United Bikers’ Marshalls, Greenpeace Philippines and Kalyetista to develop these plans and be able to address the issues that our cycling citizens have been facing during their daily rides,” he said.