The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) held the groundbreaking ceremony of the 38.35-kilometer bike lane project for Batangas province at the Lipa City Hall, Sept. 11.
According to Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa, Lipa’s bike lane, which is 21.3 kilometers, will begin at the Balete STAR Tollway Exit, and will go through the Levitown center, JP Laurel Highway, and connect to the town proper while another route goes through Barangay Tambo.
Isidro Encarnacion, the assistant regional director of DPWH, said that the bike lanes will improve street safety for everyone, more specifically cyclists, as they will have a protected space from motorized vehicles.
“Beyond safety, the bike lane will promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for our citizens. It will encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation, improving their physical and mental well being,” Encarnacion said.
In an interview with Jaime Bautista, DOTr Secretary, explained that the bike lane will be divided into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
“Yung Class 1 ay para lang sa mga siklista talaga ‘tas yung Class 2 ay mayroong naka-segregate pero may katabi [kung saan] yung kabilang side ay tatakbuhan ng ibang transport vehicles. Yung class 3 naman ay magkasama yung bike lane at other transport vehicles,” said Bautista.
Encarnacion also mentioned that the project will include the installation of solar panels at every six meters along the pavement parking in Lipa City to improve street safety.
Moreover, Encarnacion said that the expansion of active transport infrastructure can help to alleviate traffic congestion in Lipa City because it can encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation.
Cyclists from Lipa City such as Manny Lajara shared that he is looking forward to the bike lane because it can help protect them from motorized vehicles.
“Unang una yung kalusugan, at tsaka yung pangalawa, malaki [itong] tulong sa mga bikers dahil pagdaan mo sa kalye, wala ka nang iingatan na mga sasakyan dahil may sarili ka ng daan” said Lajara.
The project will cover a total distance of 76.70 kilometers in Region IV-A and will connect Lipa City and Batangas City to Antipolo City, Cainta City, and San Mateo in the province of Rizal.
Article by Jennilou Gonzales
