DOTr Plans 2,400km of Safe Cycling Lanes by 2028

Exciting news for cycling enthusiasts! The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has unveiled plans to expand the country's network of bike lanes, aiming to build 2,400 kilometres of protected and dedicated lanes by 2028. This ambitious project is part of the DOTr’s ₱5-billion Active Transport Project, which seeks to encourage a more active and eco-friendly lifestyle for Filipinos while addressing the growing need for safer cycling infrastructure.

Also read: 10 Bike Trails in and Near Quezon City

What we know about the DOTr’s bike lane 

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista revealed that the bike lanes will first be implemented in major cities like Manila, Quezon City, Lipa, Pampanga, and Laoag, before extending to neighbouring municipalities. The goal is to create a comprehensive network that connects urban areas and promotes safer, more accessible cycling routes throughout the country.

“We will do this all over the country. Inuuna muna natin major cities, then susunod mga adjacent municipalities,” Bautista said during the inauguration of expanded bike lanes in Tagum and Davao cities.

With a growing number of Filipino households owning bicycles—one in three, according to a 2023 Social Weather Stations survey—the demand for safer cycling infrastructure has never been higher. To expedite the project, a P1 billion budget has already been set aside in the 2024 National Budget. In addition to bike lanes, Bautista emphasised the improvement of pedestrian walkways to promote non-motorized transport systems.

However, while the DOTr is pushing for more bike lanes, there has been controversy regarding recent decisions by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). In April, the MMDA banned e-bikes and e-trikes from major roads in Metro Manila due to the increasing number of road accidents involving these vehicles. By May, the MMDA proposed removing bike lanes along EDSA to make way for an exclusive motorcycle lane, citing underuse of bike lanes compared to the high volume of motorised vehicles.

This move has sparked backlash from cyclist groups, who argue that bike lanes are a critical part of sustainable urban transport. They believe removing bike lanes would be a setback for the country’s efforts to create safer, greener, and more accessible transportation options.

Also read: This Biker Cafe in Marikina Is a Must-Visit for Cyclists

As the DOTr pushes forward with its plans, cycling advocates are hopeful that this ambitious project will create a lasting positive impact on the Philippines' transport landscape, making the country more bike-friendly and environmentally conscious.

All image credit goes to Philippine News Agency