Plano ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) na magpatayo pa ng mas maraming bike lanes at walkways, kasabay nang pagsusulong nila ng mga non-motorized transport (NMT), gaya ng pagbibisikleta, paglalakad at paggamit ng light electric vehicles (LEVs), bilang sustainable modes of transport sa bansa.
Ayon sa DOTr, ito ay alinsunod sa National Transport Policy (NTP) at Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP), gayundin sa patuloy nilang paghahanap ng solusyon sa problema sa trapiko ng bansa.
Sa isang pahayag nitong Biyernes, sinabi ng DOTr na magde-designate sila at magre-reclaim ng road spaces upang mabigyan ng ligtas na imprastraktura para sa mas episyente at sustainable modes of transport sa publiko, gaya ng bike lanes at walkways.
“Under the initiatives of the NTP and PDP, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are being accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users, and mandates government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure,” anang DOTr.
Dagdag pa ng DOTr, inaasahan nilang magkakaroon ng higit pang momentum ang programa matapos na ianunsiyo ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na dapat na gawing prayoridad ng national government ang active transport facilities upang isulong mas malusog at mas sustainable na pamamaraan nang pagbiyahe.
“Therefore, the Department will continue its Active Transport program with support from the Interagency Technical Working Group for Active Transport (IATWG-AT) and local governments,” dagdag pa ng DOTr.
Anito pa, “The DOTr heeds to the long-overlooked clamor of public and active transport commuters to have better commuting experience by pushing for expanded and safer walkways and bike lanes, most especially along national roads.”