Board asked to train cyclists on road safety

CEBU, Philippines —   The Cebu City Council has requested the Sugbo Bike Lanes Board (SBLB) to conduct basic training on the safety and techniques for bike enthusiasts, especially for beginners, in order to promote physical fitness, health, safety and preventions.

Councilor Jerry Guardo sponsored a resolution regarding the matter which was approved by the City Council Wednesday.

Guardo said there were vehicular accidents involving cyclists due to the non-compliance with the safety requirements and lack of awareness of the rules and regulations.

“There is a need for the city government through the Sugbo Bike Lanes Board to conduct basic training on the safety and techniques especially to newbies and creating awareness to the rules and regulations to prevent untoward incidents that may cost lives,” said Guardo.

In a separate resolution, which was also sponsored by Guardo, the City Council requested the SBLB, Cebu City Transportation Office, and the Cebu City Police Office to strictly enforce the prohibited acts and the penal provision of City Ordinance 2408 in order to minimize the risks and danger to the lives of bicycle riders in the city.

CO 2408 is titled “The Sugbo Bike Lanes Ordinance.” Its application shall be limited to bikes/bicycles on roadways that have designated shared priority bike lanes or bike friendly zones in the city.

Upon the recommendation of SBLB duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the CCTO shall implement the shared priority bike lanes or bike friendly zones to be known as Sugbo Bike Lanes in the allocated areas.

Section 8 paragraph (e) of CO 2408 states that no person shall operate a bike on a roadway unless he or she is equipped with proper brakes, lights, reflector, and safety gears.

Among the penalties provided in the ordinance for commission of any prohibited acts is a fine of P500 for first offense; P1,000 for second offense; and P1,500 for third offense. — KQD (FREEMAN)