The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday called for the proper enforcement of traffic laws around bicycle lanes as part of the Marcos administration’s push toward active transportation and the prioritization of cyclists and pedestrians.

In his speech during the inauguration of an expanded protected bike lane network in San Fernando, Pampanga, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista urged the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to strictly enforce active transport measures, including the proper use of bike lanes.

“Kailangan siguro tamang enforcement para magamit natin nang maayos ang ating mga bike lanes (We probably need proper enforcement so we can also properly use these bike lanes),” Bautista said.

Wider use of active transportation, he said, will both reduce vehicular congestion as well as have health benefits for those who adopt it.

“Binibigyan ng DOTr ng priority ‘yung mga recipients ng active transport kasi sila po ay talagang kailangang tulungan (We are prioritizing recipients of active transport because they do need our help),” he said.

The recently inaugurated Active Transport Infrastructure in Pampanga is a protected bike lane network that spans a total of 37.5 kilometers along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Manila North Road, Lazatin, and Capitol Boulevards.

It is part of the DOTr’s Active Transport Program under the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. (PNA)