Bike lanes soon in Laoag roads
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) expanded the benefits of active transport to Ilocanos who are seen to enjoy the health and environmental benefits from the establishment of protected bike lanes in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista urged the Ilocano people to use active transport, such as cycling and walking, to improve health and boost mobility without carbon emission.
“I am inviting our Kailian Ilocanos in Laoag to indulge in biking activities. It will improve your health and you will be moving in and out of your residences free of charge,” Bautista said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of active transport infrastructure in Laoag City.
The transport chief emphasized the health and environment benefits of active transport, saying vehicles powered by fossil fuel engines create air pollution.
“Alam mo itong active transport ay para suportahan natin ang magandang kalusugan ng ating mga mamamayan. At the same time, ‘yung mobility natin does not contribute to carbon emission,” Bautista explained.
The transport official added that active transport is cost-efficient and “will steer Laoag City away from the traditional sign of progress road traffic.”
Targeted to be completed by end of 2023, the expansion of active transport infrastructure in Laoag City involves the establishment of 3.20 kilometers of bike lanes along several portions of the Laoag Bypass Road.
With the start of construction of bike lanes in Laoag and other parts of the country, the Transportation Department is seen to expand the protected bike lane networks to 2,400 kilometers across the Philippines by 2028.
