Bayanihan 2-funded Metro Davao bike lane runs for 54.71 kms

The government on Tuesday opened for cyclists a 54.71-kilometer bike lane in Metro Davao.

The 54.71-kilometer bike lane stretches across 14 road sections in Davao and costs P145.37 million.

Funded by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020 or Republic Act No. 11494, the project aims to connect Davao’s key activity areas through enhancing their accessibility and providing the most vulnerable road users with safe transport infrastructure.

The bike lane network has a rated capacity of 1,250 cyclists per hour.

“Aside from policies that mandate us to promote active transport especially during the pandemic, the growing number of cyclists encouraged us to build these bike lanes,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor said.

Pastor said the Department of Transportation coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure the proper usage of the bike lane network.

Apart from Metro Davao, the DOTr is also building bike lanes in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

The total bike lane network being built would span 535 kilometers and is estimated to cost about P1.1 billion.

The DOTr has pushed for the adoption of active transport due to the limited public transportation capacity due to social distancing measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the virtual inauguration of the Metro Davao Bike Lane Network project.

Tugade said the project would ensure the safety of the growing number of cyclists in Davao City.

“Cyclists don’t need to fight for road space or ply the road in fear. Bike lanes ensure the safety of bikers as bike lanes are equipped with markings, signage, bollards, bike symbols and concrete delineators,” Tugade said.

The bike lane network features white and green pavement markings, signage, bollards, bike symbols and concrete delineators to ensure the bikers’ safety. 

It also has solar studs and bike racks for the comfort and convenience of bikers.

Moreover, the bike lanes are equipped with sheds for bike racks, and are designed with solar studs and planters for greeneries and trees in order to provide cyclists with shade and fresh air. —NB, GMA News