Pedestrian, bike lanes to attract more tourists

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has inaugurated a network of bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure in Kalibo, Aklan, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for cyclists, walkers, and other non-motorized travelers.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure can attract tourists to come to renowned destinations in Aklan such as Kalibo and Boracay.

“We need a bike lane here. Kalibo, Aklan, and Boracay are tourist destinations and we can attract many tourists,” Bautista said.

He likewise said that active transport infrastructure is a safe space for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.

“We are giving our residents here in Aklan and Kalibo the opportunity to enjoy biking. They can use the bike lanes to go to their offices and destinations,” Bautista said.

Bautista stressed that biking and walking promote healthy living and are environment friendly.

“When we ride a bike, we don’t spend fuel, we don’t cause emissions. It encourages us to be more healthy,” he added.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by the DOTr and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last 22 August 2022 is the establishment of 36.126 kilometers of bike lanes along selected roads of the Kalibo municipality.

Road sections with bike lanes include parts of Osmeña Avenue, Roxas Avenue, A. Mabini Street, D. Maagma Street, Judge Martelino Road, Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue, New Buswang Road, and Kalibo Circumferential Road.

More than 87,000 Kalibonhons Active Transport users, including tourists, students, employees, and other road users are expected to benefit from the project.