More space eyed for sustainable transport modes

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said Friday that it is designating and reclaiming more road space, and providing safe inFRASTRUCTURE FOR MORE EFfiCIENT AND sustainable modes of transport, such as bike lanes and walkways, as it seeks solutions to the perennial TRAFfiC PROBLEM.

The DoTr stated this after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) disclosed that it is considering the removal of bicycle lanes on EDSA and establishing an exclusive motorcycle lane instead due to the small number of bicycle users.

According to the DoTr, it continues to promote non-motorized transport (NMT), such as cycling and walking, as well as the use of light electric vehicles (LEVs), as sustainable modes of transport, in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP).

It emphasized that under the NTP and the PDP, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are being accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users and mandate the government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.

According to the DoTr, the program is expected to gain momentum after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the national government should prioritize active transport facilities to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.

Thus, the DoTr said it will continue its Active Transport program with support from the Interagency Technical Working Group for Active

Transport (IATWG-AT) and local governments.

As part of the program, the DoTr is seen to expand the protected bike lane networks to 2,400 kilometers by 2028 throughout the country.

“The DoTr heeds to the longoverlooked clamor of public and active transport commuters to have a better commuting experience by pushing for expanded and safer walkways and bike lanes, most especially along national roads,” it pointed out.