DOTr, DPWH launch 129-kilometer Metro Cebu bike lane network

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highway in Central Visayas (DPWH-7) inaugurated the Metro Cebu bike lane network on Friday, July 16, as part of efforts to boost bicycle use in Cebu.

“The rationale of the project is to provide a safe and reliable transport network for citizens in the province of Cebu,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor told Rappler in a phone interview on Friday.

The bike lane network spans 129 kilometers and slices through four major cities in the province – Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, who was at the event, said the government has so far completed a total of 497 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Manila, Metro Davao, and Metro Cebu. 

He added that the project cost around P150 million, funded as part of DOTr’s Metropolitan Bike Lane Networks project under the Bayanihan II law.

The Metro Cebu bike lane network was completed in June 20. It has white and green pavement markings, signages, bollards, bike symbols, and concrete delineators to keep bike riders safe. The network also has solar studs, and bike racks for the convenience of bikers.

During the inauguration, government officials including Public Works Secretary Mark Villar led a unity ride on the South Road Properties (SRP) section of the new bike lane.

The SRP bike lane is three kilometers long and five meters wide. Among its features are sheds that have bike racks and benches for cyclists. It also has solar studs and planters and trees to provide cyclists shade.

Bike lane manuals were also distributed during the inauguration.

“The manuals lay out the do’s and don’ts for our bikers when using the bike lanes such as what to do when they are passing by other cyclists in the bike lanes, or even how to use their biking equipment,” said Pastor.

The DOTr said in a statement that of the total Metro Cebu bike lane network, Cebu City has the longest bike lane length at 51.60 kilometers, followed by Lapu-Lapu City at 39.22 kilometers, Mandaue City at 20.31 kilometers, and Talisay City at 18.52 kilometers. – Rappler.com