AS THE Davao City Government works on the gradual demarcation of some streets in the city as a designated lane for bicycle riders, an advocacy group urged for an intensified awareness of its usage to prevent its abuse.
Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) Executive Director Chinkie Peliño-Golle told Sunstar Davao that the creation of the bike lanes, which has long been overdue since the Bicycle Ordinance of Davao City was enacted back in 2010, still needs to undergo a thorough implementation considering not everyone is still aware of its existence.
"There is a need to intensify bike safety education, and introduce the bike lanes to the public, including the dos and don'ts," Peliño-Golle said.
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), who is in charge of the planning and execution of the bike lanes, started demarcating some areas along Quimpo Boulevard.
The creation of the bike lane complies with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) order urging all local government units (LGUs) to establish bicycle lanes in all local roads to support those who will use bikes going to work due to the reduced capacity of public transportation under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a previous radio interview that the city is prioritizing the creation of the bike lanes to make the roads friendlier to cyclists.
However, some netizens, through posted photos on social media, already witnessed erring four-wheel vehicle owners barring the bike lanes as a parking area.
Peliño-Golle, for her part, said some vehicle owners do not respect traffic rules and regulations, which is also foreseen in the implementation of the bike lanes.
One problem she cited is that the current design of the bike lanes can barely be identified due to its similarity to regular motor vehicle lanes, although she understands that CTTMO is still in its initial stage of preparation.
While she said that based on the Bike Ordinance, which was also based on the CTTMO in its proposed lane map, the markings should have a different color and not painted white.
But according to the information she received from the city mayor, purchasing color paint for the demarcation would take a month before it could be purchased.
Hence, the mayor said they would, instead, utilize the white paint for the creation of the bike lanes.
Peliño-Golle also said that according to CTTMO head Dionisio Abude, there would also be a bike lane icon and signage for the riding motorists to distinguish the said lane.
"I understand this is still a working development. Maybe, they can further improve it by placing proper signages to be visible to the public," she said.
Meanwhile, she also urged four-wheel vehicles to respect the bicycle lane by not overtaking.
For the bicycle riders, she urged them to follow the prescribed safety measures especially in wearing face masks, helmets, and reflectorized vests for those traveling at night.
Idis, in a City Council committee hearing on the amendment of the Bike Ordinance on Tuesday, June 9, urged the Davao City Government to suspend the mandatory bike registration amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Duterte-Carpio, on Friday, June 12, admitted that there are inconsistencies and conflicts on the Bike Ordinance and the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City concerning the mandatory registration of bike owners and their units.
The mayor said the city will release an interim executive order for the meantime while harmonizing both ordinances.
Peliño-Golle lauded the City Government's effort in prioritizing the establishment of the bike lanes, which they had long lobbied.