THE Angeles City Government, through its engineering office, is set to clear national and local roads from obstructions in preparation for the designation of bicycle lanes.
This, after Mayor Carmelo Pogi Lazatin Jr. instructed the City Engineer's Office, headed by Engineer Donato Dizon, to install bike lanes all over the city.
The project is aimed to promote a bike-friendly city and help the bike-to-work residents and individuals coming from different parts of Pampanga and other areas in Central Luzon.
The City Engineer’s Office made an initial ocular inspection of the city’s main roadways to determine the areas to install bike pathways.
“We have seen road obstructions, that is why we will take an action on this before moving to our final road markings and installing of traffic signages,” Dizon said.
He added that construction of the bike lanes will start in August and is expected to be completed after a month.
Once completed, the putting up of bike lanes in other major thoroughfares will start, according to Dizon.
Lazatin encouraged his fellow Angeleños to adopt a healthier lifestyle by using bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.
"Alam naman po natin na may mabuting dulot po ang pagbibisikleta sa ating pangangatawan, lalo na ngayon pong panahon na ito, kailangan natin ng ehersisyo," Lazatin said.
Lazatin, a bike enthusiast himself, stressed the importance of creating the bike lanes, ensuring the safety of cyclists alongside the motor vehicles, and pedestrians to avoid any road accidents.
"Kasabay po nito, nais ko rin pong magpaalala sa ating mga siklista na palaging magsuot ng kanilang mga protective gear," he added.
Once the bike lanes are installed, Lazatin said he will order for the strict enforcement of traffic rules, allotting the said lanes for cyclists only.
On June 6, Lazatin announced the installation of bike lanes, as part of his program for the environment.