Cyclists in the city are still awaiting the approval of the bike lane ordinance, which is being reviewed and fine-tuned by the council committee on public works.
The proposed ordinance, crafted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, seeks to establish a network of bicycle lanes and walking paths in the city in support of micromobility as an alternative to traditional transportation.
Public consultations have been conducted to solicit comments and suggestions of bikers in the city, the public, and concerned government offices.
The recent version of the proposed ordinance calls for the review of the Local Public Transport Route Plan and its modification, if necessary, to include the promotion of different forms of micromobility as a way of life in the city.
Under the proposed ordinance, the rightmost side of specific roads will be designated as bicycle lanes.
Five priority routes were identified for the installation of bike lanes – from Pacdal circle to Leonard Wood Road to Upper Session Road rotund, from Loakan Road-PEZA to South Drive rotund to North Drive leading to Upper Session Road, from Bonifacio Street rotund to Magsaysay Avenue leading to Malcolm Square, from Elpidio Quirino Highway (Naguilian Road) Station 9 leading to Baguio City Hall, and from Dontogan/Green Valley intersection (Ben Palispis Highway) to BGH rotund.
The proposed ordinance mandates the provision of first aid stations at regular intervals along bike lanes and the conduct of seminars on road safety, road etiquette, and proper use of safety equipment for bikers.
Speed limits will be imposed for vehicles and bicycles under the ordinance.
It also prohibits minors from using bike lanes unless supervised and accompanied by adults. – Jordan G. Habbiling
