GO BACKS BILL ON POP-UP BIKE LANES
SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go backed a bill filed by Sen. Pilar Juliana Cayetano that seeks to establish networks of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways.
“During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, I reiterated my support for the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation,” he said.
“I have been urging various government agencies to designate bike lanes to ensure the ease and safety of those who opt to use such mode of transportation. Siguraduhin natin na properly assigned ang mga lanes na ito, mas maaayos na demarcation at lighting at assured ang safety ng
lahat ng nasa daan ( Let’s ensure that these lanes are properly assigned, with better demarcation and lighting for the safety of everybody on the road),” he added.
Cayetano’s Senate Bill 1582, also known as the “Safe Pathways Act,” was introduced to address the shortage of public transportation in Metro Manila and other major cities.
It mandates the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), to provide convenient access routes to essential destinations by creating a network of pop-up lanes for bicycles and other nonmotorized vehicles.
The bill directs LGUs to set up designated networks of emergency pathways to give pedestrians and non-motorized vehicle users a safe space to travel. It also mandates the establishment of a “health facilities loop” consisting of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways to give health care workers’ quick and safe access to hospitals and other health centers.
Go earlier encouraged LGUs to improve their bike infrastructure by designating more bicycle lanes with proper lane markings, road safety signs and lighting, and other safety measures. He cited Davao City as an example.
“Davao City has already started demarcating bicycle lanes along its major thoroughfares. This is in recognition of the need to promote safe alternative modes of transportation while ensuring the safety of the public,” he said.
“Ngayon, sa panahon ng pandemya, naging malaking konsiderasyon ang social distancing. Ang paggamit ng bisikleta ay isang simpleng paraan upang makamit ito. Maganda ang initiative na ito hindi lamang para sa kaligtasan ng lahat kundi para na rin sa kalusugan ng lahat ( With the pandemic, social distancing is a big consideration. The use of bicycles is a simple way to achieve that. This is a good initiative not only for the safety of everybody but also for the health of all),” the senator bared.