Tugade opens 54.7-km Davao bike lane

MANILA, Philippines — Cyclists in Davao City are now assured of their own safe space on the road as Transportation Secretary Art Tugade opened a 54.744-kilometer bike lane network in the city on Tuesday.

“These are dedicated and protected bicycle lanes. Ang ibig sabihin nito ang mga siklista, hindi na kailangang makipagbunuan sa kalsada... Wala nang pakiusapan sa ibang motorista, mapasasakyan man yan o motorsiklo na please, please, please share the road,” Tugade said during the virtual opening, which was also attended by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

The project completes the 497-kilometer bike lane network in Davao City, Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, which aims to promote active transport as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.

The bike lane network was completed on June 30 and spans across 14 road sections within Davao City.

It was funded under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Republic Act 1149, with a total allocation of P145.371 million.

The bike lane features pavement markings, signage, bollards, bike symbols and concrete delineators to ensure the safety of bikers. It is also equipped with solar studs and bike racks.

Tugade said the Department of Transportation continues to promote cycling and other forms of active transportation, which are considered as sustainable modes of transport widely used in the most progressive cities in the world.