The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is continuing its efforts to expand and improve the country’s bicycle lanes to encourage active transport, improve road safety, and offer a more sustainable mode of travel. This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of prioritizing infrastructure that supports cycling and walking, helping create safer and more eco-friendly transportation options for Filipinos.
Bicycle lanes are now considered a key part of the national transportation plan, particularly as part of the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. These plans highlight non-motorized transport, such as cycling, as a priority in the hierarchy of road users. This shift in focus comes as the demand for bike-friendly infrastructure grows, with cycling becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation across the country.
According to the 2024 Bicycle Count Report by the Mobility Awards, an organization monitoring the state of active transport in the Philippines, the use of bicycles has continued to rise. The report reveals that a total of 271,555 people use bicycles during peak hours across 138 locations in 18 local government units nationwide. This marks a 7.2% increase in bicycle use compared to the manual count in 2023. The growing popularity of cycling highlights the demand for safe, dedicated, and accessible cycling spaces in cities and regions across the Philippines.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF BICYCLE LANES
As urban areas continue to grow and traffic congestion worsens, bicycles offer a solution to many of the problems faced by commuters. They are not only a healthier and more sustainable alternative to motor vehicles, they also help reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. However, to encourage more people to choose bicycles over motorized vehicles, creating safe, accessible, and well-connected bicycle infrastructure is crucial.
Former Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized that the government is committed to meeting this demand by continuously building new bicycle lanes and upgrading existing ones. “Sa ngayon, marami kaming nagawa at gagawin pang mga bike lanes all over the country. We have constructed bike lanes in Metro Manila. Meron tayong ginawang bike lanes sa Intramuros, Iloilo [City], Kalibo (Aklan), Lipa (Batangas), sa Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Tagum [City, Davao del Norte],” Bautista said.
These bike lanes are being constructed in various settings, from high-traffic urban centers to tourist destinations, providing residents and visitors with a safer alternative to using motor vehicles.
TYPES OF BICYCLE LANES
To make cycling safer and more appealing, the Philippines has adopted three classifications for bicycle lanes. These classifications cater to varying road conditions and traffic levels, ensuring that cyclists can find a safe route suited to their needs.
- Separated Lanes: These bike lanes are completely separated from motor vehicles and are often shared with sidewalks. These lanes provide cyclists with dedicated space, minimizing the risk of accidents with cars, buses, and other motorized vehicles. Separated lanes are ideal for areas with high foot traffic and where safety is a top priority.
- Protected Lanes: These lanes are separate from vehicles but protected by bollards, curbs, or other physical barriers. Protected lanes ensure cyclists have a clear, unobstructed path that keeps them safer from collisions with motor vehicles. These lanes are typically constructed in high-density urban areas or along busy roads where safety concerns are most significant.
- Shared Roadways: In some cases, bicycles can share the road with other vehicles. These shared roadways prioritize bicycles but may still need physical barriers separating cyclists from traffic. These lanes are often found in smaller cities or rural areas with lighter traffic and narrow roads.
An example of a newly-built bike lane is the 36-kilometer lane in Kalibo, Aklan. This bike lane was designed to promote active transport in tourist areas such as Boracay and Kalibo, making it easier for locals and tourists to get around without relying on motor vehicles. The Kalibo bike lane is a step toward integrating cycling into the tourism sector, ensuring that visitors and residents can enjoy a healthier, eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Meanwhile, cities like Marikina and Quezon City have also incorporated end-of-trip facilities in their bike lane plans. These facilities, which include secure bike parking spaces, showers, and bike repair stations, make it more convenient for people to use bicycles for commuting. The government is making cycling a more practical and attractive option for everyday travel by offering these amenities near government offices, transport terminals, and educational institutions, ensuring that cyclists have the support they need for a comfortable and convenient commute.
BUILDING THE NETWORK
As of 2024, the DOTr’s Active Transport and Safe Pathways Program, which started at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, has already constructed approximately 812 kilometers of bike lanes in regions across the country, including Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, and the Davao Region. These newly built lanes form a growing network of pathways that assure a safe, interconnected cycling route system.
In 2025, the DOTr plans to build at least 260 kilometers of additional dedicated bike lanes, expanding the network to include more cities and municipalities. The government aims to develop the bike lane network to 2,400 kilometers by 2028. This ambitious plan includes the construction of bike lanes in major urban areas and connecting smaller cities and towns, making it easier for people across the country to switch to cycling as their primary mode of transport.
The DOTr’s commitment to improving bike infrastructure is part of the broader “Build Better More” infrastructure campaign, which seeks to strengthen the country’s transportation system and promote more sustainable, efficient, and accessible transport options for all Filipinos.
SUPPORT FROM THE BIKING COMMUNITY
The expansion of bike lanes has garnered positive feedback from the local cycling community. Bikers have mainly expressed support for dedicated or protected lanes, citing the increased safety these lanes provide. With a growing number of people using bicycles for daily commuting, bike lanes are seen as essential in ensuring their protection while on the road.
In congested cities like Metro Manila, Iloilo, and Davao, the allure of cycling is clear. It’s faster, cheaper, and better for the environment.
“Cycling makes me feel like I have control over my time,” says Ana, a 28-year-old bike commuter from Quezon City. “I don’t have to sit in traffic for hours anymore.”
Beyond convenience, bicycles have become a lifeline for many during crises. When public transport systems shut down during the pandemic, countless Filipinos turned to two wheels to get to work or buy essentials.
Former Transport Secretary Bautista noted that cyclists appreciate the assurance of safety when using dedicated or protected bike lanes, reducing the risk of motor vehicle accidents. As the bike lane network continues to grow, the government is working closely with the local cycling community, which has been instrumental in advocating for and providing feedback on the design and implementation of these lanes, to ensure that the needs of cyclists are met. (PTV)
