LocationsActive transport sector to work together in building interconnected bike lanes network
August 7, 2023
The Bike Lane Master Plan was received by representatives of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Las Pinas, Pasay, Makati, Taguig, Paranaque and the Municipality of Pateros with councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas and councilor Joven Gatpayat representing Mandaluyong and Pateros, respectively. The Metro Manila Development Authority was represented by assistant secretary David Angelo Vargas, OIC-assistant general manager for planning Atty. Victor Trinidad and Director Neomie Recio. Active transport advocacy groups also participated led by Mr. Robert Siy of the Move as One Coalition and Mr. Ira Cruz of Alt Mobility Ph.
QUEZON CITY – Active transport stakeholders from national government agencies, local government units and civil society organizations recently convened for the Bike Lane Master Plan Turnover Ceremony held at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) NAPOLCOM Building at Quezon City.
The activity celebrated the official turnover of the Bike Lane Master Plan for Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to the DILG and local government units, with copies also shared with the Metro Manila Development Authority and active transport advocacy groups.
In the Philippines, the volume of cyclists and the demand for safe bike lanes and roads have spiked during the pandemic. Regarded as a sustainable form of transport, active transport such as cycling and walking generates positive health, social and environmental impact. Thus, the expansion and improvement of biking infrastructure, especially among metropolitan cities across the country, is a national priority. Initial gains have been achieved with the completion of almost 500 km of bike lanes constructed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The next step would be to implement bike lanes on a grander and integrated approach involving the local governments.
UNDP deputy resident representative Edwine Carrie underscored the health, social, economic and environmental benefits of cycling and active transport in general.
Deputy Resident Representative Edwin Carrie of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in his message of support, noted that the Bike Lane Master Plan builds upon the efforts of the DOTr and DPWH, and capitalizes on the high level of interest of the LGUs, as evidenced by their recent visit to study the cycling traffic and infrastructure in the Netherlands.
Adopting the Master Plan is also a form of response to the call of the World Health Organization for increased investments in active transport, and in doing so, becomes an accelerator toward the achievement of the sustainable development goals or SDGs on sustainable cities and climate action with contributions to the SDGs on health and economic growth.
Mr. Carrie also emphasized the economic benefits of the widespread adoption of cycling, especially in easing traffic congestion, as well as the equitability aspect given that cycling is a cost-efficient transport option that can be used across sectors.
The Bike Lane Master Plan is a result of the collaborative planning effort among the LGUs and other stakeholders in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao towards comprehensive, integrated, inclusive and sustainable bike lane initiatives. The University of the Philippines National Center for Transport Studies (UP-NCTS), led by Dr. Ricardo Sigua conducted the research, which was supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport Systems (LCT) in the Philippines Project.
The LCT Project, co-implemented by UNDP Philippines and DOTr, is an environmental initiative that aims to create an enabling environment for mainstreaming sustainable transport in various cities around the country.
The turnover ceremony highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and integrated bike lane network that will entail harmonized approaches among national government agencies, local government units and civil society. Preceding this event are pocket turnover activities in Cebu City for Metro Cebu and Davao City for Metro Davao last July 18 and July 20 respectively.
In his keynote speech during the event, DOTr Undersecretary for road and infrastructure James Andres Melad presented the Bike Lane Master Plan for Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao as a “visionary blueprint that will reshape our cities’ landscape and pave the way for greener and healthier future.” Asec. Melad also underscored that the plan envisions a “comprehensive network of interconnected bike lanes that will traverse bustling streets, connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses and recreational areas.”
Ms. Tina Batalla of the Move as One Coalition brought up the importance of having shared experiences in order to develop a deeper understanding of the advocacy of active transport. And, together with the other advocates expressed commitment to work with the LGUs in translating the master plan into action and results.
DILG Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs Francisco R. Cruz cited that the “Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 has a very clear aspiration to deliver active transport networks and accord pedestrians and cyclists the highest priority among road users.” On adopting the Bike Lane Master Plan, he relayed that “DILG highly supports this initiative taking advantage of our supervisory and oversight functions over local government units complementing efforts of other national government agencies and nourishing the bonds between and among NGAs and local government units to achieve desired outcomes.”
Asec. Cruz enjoined the full support to the implementation of the Master Plan and looked forward to more collaborations with DOTr and UNDP in the future. Asec. Melad called the event the beginning of their collective journey and that the next part “will require continued dedication, adaptability and innovation” as well as learning from international best practices, engagement with communities and adapting to emerging technologies.
To close, Mr. Carrie commended the government of the Philippines for the whole-of-society approach in the active transport agenda. He called on everyone “to continue to move forward. And ensure that no one is left behind, especially on the road.” [END]
