SAYING that biking helps decongest traffic and lessens pollution, Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. wants government and private establishments in the city to provide parking spaces for bicycles within their premises.
During the City Council’s regular session last week, Gabuya filed a proposed ordinance ordering the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to include in its requirements for the issuance of building permit the establishment of bicycle parking space in all government and private offices in the city.
His proposal is in relation to City Ordinance (CO) 2408, which provides for shared priority bike lanes in designated roads in the city and establishes traffic rules, regulations, funds and penalties for violations.
CO 2408 was approved by the 13th City Council last October 29, 2014.
“The ordinance aims to encourage residents of the city to use bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation to promote pollution-free environment, to reduce traffic weaving and to minimize global warming in the city,” he said.
He said biking is a good form of exercise as it improves one’s endurance, fitness abilities and cardiovascular health.
For buildings that have been completed and occupied, owners and/or administrators are directed to provide an area for bicycle parking within their premises within five months upon receiving OBO’s recommendation.
In the event that an accountable officer fails to follow the provision of the ordinance, he or she will be subject to penalty.
First time offenders will have to pay a fine of P1,000 while those who have committed the violation for the second time will be charged P3,000.
A fine of P5,000 or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both, depending on the court’s discretion, will be given to third time offenders.
The council referred Gabuya’s proposed ordinance to the committee on laws for their review and recommendation.