Bike lanes, only orange traffic cones? Of course not!
The creation of bike lanes in major urban centers and road networks is an important step to take if we want to succeed in promoting active transport.
This July, the bike lane networks in three major cities, namely Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, were finally made available to cyclists and other active transport road users.
A year since the initiative was carried out to initially protect frontliners who pedal to work, the Department of Transportation
(DoTr), together with the
Department of Public Works and
Highways and the Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority, completed 497 kilometers of pavement markings, physical separators, solar studs and road signages.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, cycling has been an effective mode to promote active transport. With a personal conviction that active transport is a significant initiative that can help us navigate this new normal and slow down virus transmission, DoTr Secretary Art Tugade is determined to make this happen.
He believes that we can turn the current crisis into an opportunity to implement changes in our road transport system, which will ultimately benefit the people in the long run. The Transportation chief is making use of this chance to reset the system.
To put everything in context, the creation of bike lanes in major urban centers and road networks is an important step to take if we want to succeed in promoting active transport.
It falls on us in the DoTr to secure and guarantee that these are more than just adequate bike lanes. We are making certain that these are facilities that meet international standards.
It is unfortunate, however, that there are individuals who criticize the cost of the established bike lanes and even spread a painted narrative that these bike lanes are merely segregated lanes marked by orange traffic cones.
Instead of bringing us down, why not help us promote this important program? Help us make more people understand the importance of these bike lanes.
Believe me, they are more than that. Much, much more in fact.
First, these bike lanes do not use orange traffic cones. If only they would go out in the streets and check for themselves the actual bike lanes, they will see that these bike lanes use concrete delineators/blocks or flexible rubber bollards.
In addition, these are made up of white and green pavement markings using thermoplastic paint, bollards bolted to the ground, concrete delineators, bike symbols and signages, solar studs and bike racks.
These bike lanes are a byproduct of study and compliance to standards that make sure members of our biker community are safe and secure and give them enough latitude for mobility.
We are not just putting up bike lanes. We are creating a safe space for those who participate in active transport. We recognize and acknowledge what they need, and what they want. We are creating a safe environment for a better new normal.
We have been very transparent in the execution of this project. We welcome all the scrutiny. But we are also hoping that these naysayers and critics be fair and just. Instead of bringing us down, why not help us promote this important program? Help us make more people understand the importance of these bike lanes.
Instead of drawing conclusions from assumptions, why not highlight what cyclists have to say? They have waited for these bike lanes for so long. Surely, there are still areas that need further improvement when it comes to the establishment of these bike lanes.
Is it not also appropriate to recognize that we have already started somewhere? It is important to note that we are not stopping from here.
While criticisms and dissatisfactions may be expressed by some, rest assured that the DoTr will never back down from doing what is right and better for the people. Just like how the orange traffic cones were designed, we are also capable of returning right side up after being blown or thrown down to the ground.