Bike Lanes Get P1-Billion Funding in 2024

(SPOT.ph) At least P1 billion has been allocated to speed up the development of protected bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways in the 2024 National Budget.

This was a huge jump from the original P500 million proposal for the Active Transport and Safe Pathways Program (ATSPP), in what Quezon City Representative Marvin Rillo said was “our way of reassuring Filipinos that cycling is a sustainable alternative mode of mobility.”

“We are absolutely determined to promote cycling and lessen harmful motor vehicle emissions in the interest of public health,” Rillo was quoted as saying by the Philippine News Agency.

Also read: Batangas to Rizal on Two Wheels? This 76-Kilometer Bike Lane Is in the Works

More bike lanes to come 

This P1 billion budget is on top of the existing funding of P2 billion in 2022 and P705 million in 2023 for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways in highly urbanized cities.

Included in this budget are the procurement of bicycle racks, upgrade of temporary bike lanes into permanent ones, and placement of other support facilities. It also ensures that the new infrastructure will be maintained and protected—even if it just means providing users with shade courtesy of trees in urban areas.

Pedestrian walkways and crossings will also be built with persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women, children with strollers, and tourists with luggage in mind.

The ATSPP has established over 500 bike lanes in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, with more to come this year following the planned construction of 400 kilometers more bike lanes. This is part of DOTr's broader goal to establish 2,400 kilometers of protected bike lanes by 2028.

In 2023, the Mobility Awards also recognized Quezon City, Iloilo City, Baguio City, Naga City, and Marikina City as the most bicycle-friendly cities in the Philippines.

Also read: LIST: Here Are the Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities of 2023