DOTr pushes for safer walkways, bike lanes for 'better commuting experience'
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reiterated that building safe bike lanes and walkways remains their priority in solving the traffic crisis.
“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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,” the agency said in a statement on Friday, April 26.
It added that in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP), they are “designating and reclaiming road space” to build bike lanes and walkways to provide “more efficient and sustainable modes of transport.”
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The DOTr 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 NTP and PDP. pic.twitter.com/VK4koWZoiG— DOTrPH π΅π (@DOTrPH) April 26, 2024
It stressed that under the policy and program, the government must prioritize building active transport infrastructure and that pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are “accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.”
“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,” the statement read.
The agency also assured that it will continue its Active Transport program in collaboration with the Interagency Technical Working Group for Active Transport (IATWG-AT) and local governments.
“The DOTr heeds to the long-overlooked clamor of public and active transport commuters to have better commuting experience by pushing for expanded and safer walkways and bike lanes, most especially along national roads,” they concluded.
This comes after Atty. Romando Artes, chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said they are looking to the removal of bicycle lanes on EDSA and build an exclusive motorcycle lane instead. The statement, which cited concerns about hygiene for employees commuting by bike and the underutilization of the current bike lane, has since drawn flak among social media users, saying it was “out of touch” and “anti-poor.”
On the other hand, social media users applauded the DOTr’s initiative.
“DOTr on the right track. This really says a lot about [MMDA] and their priorities,” an X user wrote.
One wrote: “Good job [DOTr]. Probably the only line that bothers me is this: ‘pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles ARE BEING ACCORDED the highest priority.’ Because as things stand right now, they're NOT. The acting chairman of the [MMDA] is trying to make life harder for owners of NMTs.”
“Mabuhay, [DOTr] Active Transport Team! Salamat po. Acting MMDA Chair Artes should just resign if he cannot implement the national transport policy, and if he's so intent to break President Marcos and VP Sara Duterte's campaign promise to make bike lanes permanent,” another social media user posted.
