Errant cyclists to face penalty

CEBU, Philippines — Cyclists in Cebu City who do not utilize the designated bike lanes will soon face penalty.

It has been observed that many cyclists still crisscross around the roads even though there is already a bike lane dedicated to them.

A Sugbo Bike Lanes official agreed to the observation and told The FREEMAN saying that when they tell cyclists to use the designated lane for them, their common excuse is because there is an obstruction along the way.

“This is why we are intensifying the clearing (of) the bike lanes from obstructions para wala na silay ika-rason,” SBLB’s Executive Director Bernard Maraasin said.

Maraasin added they have already apprehended several vehicle owners obstructing the bike lanes, even resulting in the drivers and vehicle owners getting jail time.

Even those with red plates had not been excused.

“Naa nay napriso gani ani kay ni-parking sa bike lane,” Maraasin said.

Aside from that, the SBLB is also working on the biker’s registration where each registered biker will have their own ID so that when they have violations, it will be easier to apprehend them, Maraasin said.

“Among giasikaso na ng biker’s registration and bike licensing. Amo na ng gipaninguha karon nga ang approach pares sa Citom, nga naa na silay ID, mao na nay ilang lisensya silbi. All the bikers magda na silag ID. Kung wa silay ID, wa mi-maconfiscate. Kung naa na silay ID and wa sila nagdala ug ID ang among i-confiscate ang ila ng bisikleta,” added Maraasin.

Earlier, the SBLB personnel underwent training with the city’s transportation office so that they can finally issue tickets for various traffic violations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has underscored road safety during a press conference on Road Safety, together with United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt, and UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Gustavo Gonzales, last Thursday.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista had shared DOTr's current and future programs and projects that promote road safety in the Philippines.

"We are finalizing the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan for the period 2023 to 2028. Various components are contained in the plan including intensifying road safety education. Pertinent agencies of our department have existing programs that consequently lead to the promotion of road safety," Secretary Bautista said.

Bautista also mentioned and highlighted the Land Transportation Office's (LTO) requirement to pass the online driving exam, fight against fixers, and check the roadworthiness of vehicles, among others.

For its part, the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT) ensures that vehicles are roadworthy, and drivers are fit and capable of properly driving. Various i-ACT personnel are also personally checking the buses and drivers and conducting random drug tests at various bus terminals.

Among the department's programs and projects that innovatively promote road safety mentioned include the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), enhancing the EDSA Busway through the EDSA Greenways Project, and Bus Rapid Transit here in Cebu and later in Davao.

The Active Transport Program involves constructing bicycle, pedestrian, and public transport infrastructure, in partnership with various local government units around the Metro.

Bautista also expressed the willingness of the DOTr and its attached agencies to go above and beyond and carry out further the necessary steps in achieving more efficient and sustainable transport for everyone, and to incorporate road safety in the citizen’s daily lives.

"We are open to learn from the insights of the UN special envoy for road safety– how we can do better and how we can save lives. We hope our efforts are at par with UN standards. We stand committed to promote road safety through existing and future projects," Bautista said. /GAN (FREEMAN)