INSTALLATION of additional bicycle lanes is now being eyed in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga to ensure the safety and comfort of bikers.
During her visit to the city Friday, January 29, 2021, Senator Pia Cayetano urged the city government to create functional and interconnected bicycle lanes to encourage more people to do biking.
Cayetano was in the city to distribute road bikes and safety gear set to 10 medical and essential frontliners as part of her "Bike for Hope" program.
The senator, who is a triathlete herself, has been advocating for the use of bicycles not only for recreational purposes but as a sustainable mode of transportation.
"In this time of pandemic, when everybody fears crowded places such as public vehicles, biking is one of the best choice to go wherever you intend to. It will also let you save your fare money and allow you to exercise," she said.
To further promote safe biking in the country, Cayetano cited her "Safe Pathways Network" bill, which has passed the second reading at the Senate aimed at creating a network of dedicated lanes and emergency pathways for non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles.
While the law is not yet implemented, Cayetano said the initiative of local government units will be of big help to advance the advocacy.
"I know very well that San Fernando has a very strong bike program and I hope that they can further develop it so we can encourage more motorists to turn to biking," she said.
Mayor Edwin Santiago said the city's respect for bikers can be seen through the programs that are implemented for them, among which are the networks of bike lanes.
"Our bike lanes are really legally established because they passed through ordinances because we wanted to make sure that they are there to stay and protect our bikers while on the road," he said.
As early as 2016, the city government has established a well-protected bike lane along the Lazatin Boulevard, and has also stretched on other major thoroughfares such as McArthur Highway.
Pending Cayetano's bill, Santiago said the local government can initiate pop-up bicycle lanes where some streets will be closed for a certain day or time for bikers -- individuals or by group -- can go around biking without the worry of being hit by four-wheeled vehicles.
"Bikers are very-well respected in our city and now that their community is growing, we assure the City of San Fernando will continue to be among the most bike-friendly places in the country," he said.
