Active mobility gets its fair share along the roads of Quezon City as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Quezon City government on Monday broke ground for the establishment of bike lanes in select parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said active transport expansion not only involves the construction of bike lanes but also ensures the safety of cyclists and other road users.
"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," Secretary Bautista said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
"The use of non-motorized personal vehicles has been embraced by many who vouch for the health benefits of this mode of transport," he added.
The transport chief expressed gratitude to the Quezon City LGU for its support of an active transport program that also aims to provide environmental and economic benefits.
"The increasing number of cyclists in Quezon City can significantly help redirect this city's growth path towards preserving the environment. With clear support from the local government and civic organizations, we are confident this project will steer Quezon City away from the obnoxious sign of progress – road traffic," said Bautista.
The expansion of active and public transport infrastructures in selected parts of Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City includes the construction of two-kilometer bike lanes and 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) stops as well as sidewalk improvement.
Targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2024, the active transport project will benefit almost three million constituents of Quezon City.