LA TRINIDAD Municipal Government aims to be a bike-friendly town after approving a local ordinance setting bike lane zones.
Authored by Councilors Arthur Shotogan, Horacio Ramos Jr. and Guiller Galwan, the ordinance said bike lane zones will be designated along major thoroughfares of the municipality.
Unanimously approved by the Municipal Council, the law known as the La Trinidad Bike Lane Zone or Safe Road Lane Zone Ordinance aims to lessen traffic in the municipality, promote healthy lifestyle for commuters, and healthy environment in the town.
The law states bike lane zone markings will be installed near the right lane side of the road with a width of less than one meter following the same direction as the flow of traffic.
Shontogan said the new law hopes to reduce traffic and pollution and encourage cycling as an alternative means of transportation for short distance travels.
“Ap-apatan tayo ti daduma nga country, ada idjay Korea ti bike lane da, nu Vietnam motorcycle nu, datayo pa aduan ti lugan,” said Shontogan
Uder the ordinance, the La Trinidad Traffic Management Board will be responsible for the identification and designation of bike lane zones or safe lane zones and provide reflectorized markings or stripping of pavements of grey shade and blue line which indicates the bike lane zone or safe road lane.
The Council also created the La Trinidad Bike Roadway Enforcement Committee that will promulgate measures, regulations, management and maintenance of bike lanes on the identified roads.
Motorists are urged to give priority and maintain a safe distance to bikers while passing a road user on designated bike lane zone.
Parking of vehicles must be observed in all identified and designated bike lane zone and observe all traffic rules and regulations in the municipality.
Shontogan said the new law hopes to solve the rising numbers of vehicle in the municipality and the worsening air pollution recorded during summer season.