SP urges Installation of Bike Lanes in the Province

by Issanne S. Villaruel

The 19th Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 6th Regular Session on August 8, 2022, passed three separate SP Resolutions, all addressing concerns on the installation and implementation of bike lanes in the province.

Said SP Resolutions are as follows: SP Resolution No. 2022-049 entitled “A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH) TO FAST TRACK MARKING OF BIKE LANES IN THE ENTIRE STRETCH OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY IN THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN.

“WHEREVER POSSIBLE AND FEASIBLE”; SP Resolution No. 2022-050 entitled “A RESOLUTION REQUESTING ALL COMPONENT MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR BIKE LANES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCAL TRAFFIC ROUTE PLANS AND TRAFFIC CODES;” and, SP Resolution No. 2022-051 entitled “ A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE PROVINCIAL TASK FORCE ON ROAD SAFETY OF THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN TO RECOMMEND MEASURES THROUGH A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ADDRESS THE PROTECTION AND SAFETY OF BIKERS/CYCLISTS FOR ADOPTION BY THE 19TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF THIS PROVINCE”.

The said legislative measures came as an offshoot of the legislative inquiry conducted on August 2, 2022 on the establishment of bicycle lanes in national and provincial roads in the Province of Aklan, introduced by SP Plaridel M. Solidum during the 19th SP’s 3rd Regular Session.

“Considering the growing community of bike enthusiasts in Aklan, not to mention other bike communities in Panay and throughout the country, a tourism province like Aklan must have a bike lane,” said Solidum.

During the said legislative inquiry, Engr. Edelzon Magalit, Provincial Engineer, informed the committee that there are currently no existing bike lanes in the provincial roads and it was not included in the proposed Annual Investment Program (AIP) submitted by the Provincial Enginner’s Office (PEO) for Calendar Year 2023. However, Magalit hinted that it can be revised for its inclusion.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) representative, Engr. Mark Constantino, updated the committee on the on-going projects in the East and West Roads with a total length of 170.470 kilometers of which 84.910 kilometers are widened roads already, 21.716 kilometers are with carriageway and only 1.488 kilometers with markings for bicycle lanes. Constantino added that road constructions which were already completed have no bike lanes but the on-going projects have provisions for bike lanes with a width of 1.5 meters.

Moreover, Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Aklan head, Engr. Marlon Velez, informed the committees that their office does not have the jurisdiction on bicycle riders. However, he commented that LGUs may pass an ordinance regulating the speed limits of motorized vehicles to clear road obstructions and ensure the safety of all those traversing the national and provincial roads.

The legislative enactments are based on the recommendation of the tripartite committees, composed of the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications, the Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Peace and order and the Committee on Laws, Rules and Ordinances.