Quezon City eyes bike ramps, more lights on footbridges

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday bared plans to improve accessibility and safety of footbridges by installing bike-friendly ramps and more lampposts.

Citing a recent assessment conducted by city engineers, the local government noted the need for some footbridges to undergo rehabilitation or overall reconstruction to ensure public safety.

It also bared plans to put up bike ramps on select footbridges traversing bike lanes to allow easy access for bicycles and handicapped pedestrians.

To ensure safety on the roads and bike lanes, the city said it also plans to put up 2,500 to 3,000 lampposts a year for the next eight to 10 years to ensure that all roads are illuminated.

The local government said it is targeting a smart lighting program with a central management system to help in monitoring all 75,000 lights once completed.

“We have seen how useful our GORA lanes and bike lanes are to the people, not just the residents but to everyone who uses them,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

She was referring to the recently opened Green Open Reclaimed Access or GORA lane project, a five-kilometer pedestrian corridor linking some major thoroughfares in the city.

“That is also the reason why the city proposes to enhance and rehabilitate more so we can provide better walkways and more green open spaces in our city, after all, Quezon City is home to most of the green spaces in Metro Manila,” she added.