Pedestrian-oriented spaces such as walkways and bicycle lanes remain a priority in active transport infrastructure under the Marcos administration, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.

In a statement, the DOTr said non-motorized transport (NMT) such as cycling and walking, as well as the use of light electric vehicles (LEV), are promoted in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP).

“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,” it said.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it is mulling the removal of bicycle lanes on EDSA and consider an exclusive motorcycle lane due to the small number of bicycle users.

The bicycle lanes on EDSA and other thoroughfares became common during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 when commuters shifted to cycling as alternative mode of transport.

Under the NTP and PDP, pedestrians and NMTs are the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users and mandates the government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.

“The program is expected to gain momentum after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the national government should prioritize active transport facilities to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel,” it said.

The DOTr assured that active transport programs would continue with support from the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group for Active Transport and local governments.

“As DOTr seeks to solve the problem of traffic, it is designating and reclaiming road space to provide safe infrastructure for more efficient and sustainable modes of transport such as bike lanes and walkways,” it said. (PNA)