QC opens new bike lanes

The Quezon City government inaugurated yesterday new and improved bike lanes along major thoroughfares as part of efforts to promote active, sustainable and environment-friendly modes of transportation for residents and workers.

- Janvic Mateo

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos led the launch of the QCikleta bike lanes, which were established to promote cycling and ensure the safety of bikers and other active transport users in the city.

Belmonte said the project is in line with their commitment to make Quezon City “a bike-friendly city where bikers can reach their destination safely and quickly.”

Transport Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor and Quezon City District 2 councilor Mikey Belmonte, who authored the city’s Safe Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance, also joined the event along with other local officials.

The officials joined bikers from various organizations in a ceremonial biking activity using some of the new bike lanes, including those along Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue, Agham Road and BIR Road.

Last year, the city government announced its plan to expand its existing bike lanes from an existing 55 kilometers to 161 kilometers throughout the city.

“We are working double time on this project so that the increasing number of bikers in our city will be able to travel safely without other vehicles running over their lanes,” the mayor said, stressing that it is the one of the city’s priority projects.