Board eyes e-bikes, scooters on bike lanes

CEBU, Philippines —  The Sugbo Bike Lanes Board (SBLB) in Cebu City is looking into the possibility of modifying bike lanes into a mobility lane, wherein all forms of small and non-motorized modes of travel can be accommodated.

SBLB’s initial findings from the launching of the Phase 1 of the city bike lanes revealed that while motorcycles and private cars occupy 61 percent of the road, 54 percent of commuters use jeepneys and buses to travel within the city.

“This means that while public vehicles carry the most passengers, they (bicycles) occupy a smaller portion of the road,” SBLB’s official statement read.

Another observation is that bikers are not the only ones using the bike lanes.

There are other forms of non-motorized or space-efficient modes of travel such as electronic bikes or e-bikes and e-scooters, which have also been seen to use the lane.

SBLB added the lack of public awareness on the guidelines and utilization of the bike lanes have led to vehicles parking on it for longer periods, creating road blockages for bikers.

They also said most, if not all, users of the bike lanes, use it for commute going to work or commute to purchase essential goods.

The SBLB likewise asked for the cooperation and support of the some barangays to augment awareness and enforcement of the Cebu City bike lanes within their respective jurisdictions.

In the north, these are barangays Barrio Luz, Capitol Site, Cogon Ramos, Day-as, Kamagayan, Kamputhaw, Kasambagan, Lorega, Mabolo, Pahina Central, Pari-an, Sambag 1, Sambag 2, San Antonio, San Roque, Sto. Niño, T. Padilla, Tejero, and Tinago.

While in the south are barangays Calamba, Duljo Fatima, Guadalupe, Labangon, Pasil, Punta Princesa, and San Nicolas Proper.

The implementation of the bike lanes started with the downtown area, where a complete loop will be established.

The first phase started from Barangay Labangon, Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe, going to Fuente Osmeña Circle, then to the old Mango Avenue (General Maxilom Avenue), going to the Cebu Business Park, proceeding to a portion of Mabolo, going back to Imus Avenue, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, passing through Sto. Niño and Plaza Independencia, and connect back to Banawa.

Last September 2020, the city government, through the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), started painting the bike lanes green as part of the efforts to fulfill its promise-- the establishment of bike lanes in its streets.

This February, bike lanes were already established on some streets in the downtown area.

The bike lanes are based on the route provided by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). — KQD (FREEMAN)