One of the main hurdles of being a biker in the city is the danger of having to share the road with cars and motorcycles, especially in highways where these vehicles travel at 60 kilometers per hour or more.
Last Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) took a step forward in solving this issue by inaugurating an independent 3-meter-wide bicycle lane in Laguna Lake Highway – a road connecting Taytay, Rizal to Bicutan, Taguig.
Unlike other bike lanes that are only painted on the road, the Laguna Lake Highway Bike Lane is protected and separated by a 2-meter plant strip from the motor vehicle lanes and stretches for a good 5.8 kilometers!
This very visible and concrete plant strip is DPWH’s effort to provide a safer and more comfortable road for cyclists traveling along the stretch of Laguna Lake Highway in Taguig City.
There is also a 1.5-meter pedestrian sidewalk on both sides of the highway that can be utilized by joggers as well!
According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, this is the first ever independent bike lane in a national highway and will serve as DPWH’s model for other roads with wide space.
A protected bike lane is a promising start in promoting cycling as a safe, cheaper, and environmental-friendly commuting alternative. Hopefully, there can be more of this in the future!
Let us know what you think about this in the comments section!
Correct me if i’m wrong, but its not the first as there is already one in Iloilo city since 2014. Kindly please check.