Metro Manila now has more than 313 km. of bicycle lanes, complete with concrete delineators, flexible rubber bollards, and other safety features meant to encourage biking and keep cyclists safe on the road.

During the inauguration of the third leg of the Metro Manila bike lane network on Tuesday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor said the project includes the installation of proper bike symbols and signage, white and green pavement markings using thermoplastic paint, solar-powered road studs, and bike racks.

“Makaka-asa po kayo na hindi po tayo nagtatapos dito. Magpapatuloy po ang maganda nating nasimulan (You can rest assured that we will not stop here. We will continue what we have started),” Pastor said.

In total, he said, 497 km. of bike lanes have been established in the country’s major cities, specifically in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and the National Capital Region.

Pastor noted that the project, funded through the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020”, had its share of critics, with some questioning whether the project should be funded and that orange traffic cones should be enough for cyclists.

“Kung tatanungin po ang ating mga siklista na siyang tunay na gumagamit at nakikinabang ng mga bike lanes na ito, ano po kaya ang kanilang masasabi (If we ask cyclists who are the real users and beneficiaries of these bike lanes, what would they say)?” Pastor said.

To date, PHP801.8 million have been spent on Metro Manila’s bike lanes.

Earlier, the DOTr inaugurated the 129-km. long bike lane network in Metro Cebu, which costs about PHP150 million.

In Metro Davao, the DOTr’s 55-km. bike lane costs a little more than PHP145 million with pavement markings, physical road separators, and signage. (PNA)