Solon seeks establishment of local bikeway office

Monday, 27 June 2011 02:05

A lawmaker is strongly pushing for the creation of a Local Bikeway Office (LBO) that would prepare plans and specifications and manage construction of bikeway projects on all thoroughfares and roads covered by the local government unit (LGU) concerned.

Rep. Emi Calixto-Rubiano (Lone District, Pasay City) said House Bill 4785 mandates the Office of the City or Municipal Engineer to be responsible for project development, management and implementation of a bikeway project and roadmap. Calixto-Rubiano stressed that the advantages of using a bicycle as an alternative means of transport far outweigh the use of a motorized vehicle.

"Aside from its health and physical rewards from exercise and relieving stress, the use of the bicycle does not only consume fossil fuels but will definitely congest traffic in the metropolis," Calixto-Rubiano said.

However, Calixto-Rubiano said not only proper infrastructure is needed, but foremost is the framework that will implement the bicycle program that is vital for its successful implementation.

In filing the bill, Calixto-Rubiano said Sections 15 and 16, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Under the measure to be known as the "Bicycle Act of 2011," the LBO shall establish partnerships with local or foreign organization to carry out the provisions of this Act in facilitating an easy bicycle access and network.

It shall conduct information drives in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) on the advantages of using bicycles and cause the registration of all bicycles operating within the bikeways and determine the manner of registration.

The bill also directs the LBO to establish and maintain a bicycle registry or database relative to its mandate of crafting a manual and a system of operational procedures.

Under the bill, all cities and municipalities shall establish in their respective jurisdiction a bicycle park limited to the enjoyment and use of bicycles, for its parking areas and other similarly related activities.

All bicycle riders or cyclists shall obey traffic regulations, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles, wear the appropriate gear and ensure that their bicycles are equipped with reflective materials visible from both sides.

Violators will be penalized with a fine of P2,000.