Plans to transform roads to make them bike-friendly is underway in Borongan City, Eastern Samar as more people use bicycles during the health crisis.

The project will start at the main road of the city along the beachfront, City Vice Mayor Emman Tiu Sonco said in a phone interview on Friday.

“Since not all roads in the city are ready for bike lanes, we will prioritize implementing the plan along Baybay Boulevard,” Sonco said.

The boulevard is known for its beach shore that is ideal for surfing.

The city legislative council has been deliberating on the Borongan City Bikeways Ordinance 2020.

The city ordinance is set for approval in the last week of July and the council is eyeing to launch it during the fun ride next month that would be hosted by the Borongan city government.

The local government assured that before August 9, functional racks for bicycle riders would be available along Baybay Boulevard.

Creating bike lanes and promoting the use of bikes is timely as the country is experiencing the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Bikes are not only for recreation and fitness but are also an alternative means of transportation.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda lauded the initiative, expressing hope that it would be taken and implemented seriously.

“I hope that we won’t fall prey to the old habit where we’re only good at starting,” Agda said as he reminded bikers to continue being vigilant as the threat of Covid-19 remains.

Borongan City, classified as low-risk for Covid-19, allows residents to go out freely and engage in outdoor activities, such as biking, to help boost their health.

It is among the cities in the country recognized by the Royal Danish Embassy as part of the Info Series on the Future of Mobility on July 28 and 29.

The embassy has partnered with several local governments and agencies in promoting biking and mobility. (PNA)