The Great QC Active Transport plan: Elliptical Road Bike Lane, designated PUV stops, proper Commonwealth sidewalks
Bike lanes are on the way to be staples in and around Quezon City roads. In line with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) thrust toward promoting active transport, QC has also actively (pun not intended) participated in the efforts. Just yesterday, the City’s local government and the DOTr broke ground for the expansion of active transport infrastructure in QC.
Bike Lanes, new PUV stops, and fixed sidewalks to make QC biker- and pedestrian-friendly
Photo: QC Gov
At yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said, “We want to emphasize the safety of cyclists. We want to ensure cycling is a safe mode of daily travel, no longer just for leisure.”
In cooperation with the Quezon City Government, plans for the active transport project were bared and include the allotment of a 2-kilometer Class 1 bike lane around Elliptical Road, the construction of 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) stops, and the repair and maintenance of sidewalks along Elliptical and Commonwealth Avenue.
Photo: QC Gov
“We are grateful to the representatives from different government agencies and civic organizations who inspire us to pursue and sustain this important program. I have no doubt Quezon City can still attain next-level growth with healthy residents who have taken the lead in adopting cycling as a new lifestyle,” Bautista later added.
For her part, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her gratitude to the DOTr for the anticipated safe and accessible bike- and roadways for everyone. “Matagal na nating pangarap para sa lungsod ang magkaroon ng mga daan na ligtas, maganda, at pwedeng lakaran para sa lahat ng QCitizens at ito ay unti-unti na nating natutupad [It’s long been a dream of the city to have safe, beautiful, and usable walkways for all QCitizens and this is slow being realized]. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire DOTr for choosing to partner with the Quezon City Government on this pivotal initiative,” Belmonte said.
Photo: IACT
The bike lanes, construction of PUV stops, and rehabilitation works for sidewalks are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. This is all well and good, especially in the name of active transport, and given the fact that we do have policies that seek to protect bikers, bike lanes, and promote active transport across the country.
Speaking of protecting the bike lanes, there’s also no shortage of reminders from the authorities to respect the “exclusivity” of these lanes, and that failing to do so will lead to apprehensions.
Now we wait for the rest of Metro Manila’s cities to join the battle, not just for the existence of bike lanes, but for a more active transport, commuter, and pedestrian-friendly metropolis.
