Parking space for bicycles in establishments pushed

All government and private establishments in Cebu City may soon be required to provide a parking space for bicycles within their premises.

This if the proposed ordinance of Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., which encourages the use of bicycles as transportation mean, will be approved in the level of the City Council.

“This ordinance aims to encourage residents of Cebu City to use bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation to promote pollution-free environment, to reduce traffic weaving and to minimize global warming in Cebu City,” the proposal reads.

The city’s Office of the Building Official is asked to include in its requirements the issuance of a building permit to an establishment for the parking space for bicycles.

For those existing establishments, Gabuya said they will be given five months from the receipt of the recommendation of OBO.

The proposed penalties for accountable officers of the establishments include a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 or an imprisonment not exceeding one year or both for the third offense.

The proposed ordinance is still pending at the council’s committee on laws.

According to Gabuya, biking to and from offices, department stores, markets, churches, and schools, among others, is a good form of exercise.

He said this could also decongest traffic jams in the city streets since some residents may use bicycles rather than their cars.

The proposed measure, according to the councilor, would go along with City Ordinance No. 2408, approved in 2014, which provides for shared bike lanes in designated roads in the city.

He said people who will be encouraged to bike could also promote a noise-free and emission-free environment that may contribute to global warming.

Gabuya referred his proposal to the council’s committee on laws for its comments and recommendations.

The proposed measure will undergo public hearing that would invite concerned stakeholders, especially the owners of establishments, to appear in the session for their position.

—Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/NSA