The regional office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO 11) is intensifying operation against motorists that violate the newly-launched bicycle lane system in Davao City.
“Karon nagapatuman mi ug intensive operations sa bike lanes. Kung kami ang mudakop, obstruction, disregarding traffic signs, ug illegal parking on bike lane. Mag issue mi ug ticket. Kani pud para ma- practice pud ang atong mga drivers to respect bicycle lanes,” said Thomas Edward Roales, team leader of the Land Transportation Office 11 (LTO 11)- Law Enforcement Service, during the AFP-PNP online media briefing on Wednesday.
Roales said LTO 11 followed the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr’s) guidelines and provisions that motorists and drivers must follow in using the bike lanes in Davao City: no motor vehicle shall be allowed to either cross or park into bicycle lanes, drivers must give sufficient clearance and watch their speed when passing, drivers need to be careful when turning at intersections, drivers must scan side mirrors to make sure there are no cyclists before opening the door, and check blind spots or drivers must be aware at all times of cyclists.
“Ang mga basic rules: no obstructions along bicycle lanes, on solid white line bawal magpark. Katong mga allowed sharing katong sa dotted lines and not allowed to stay more than necessary, even loading ug dapat kadali lang ta mu-pass samot na katong naay mga bollards,” he said.
On July 20, 2021, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade opened the 54.744 kilometer bike lane network in the city. The bike lane network project was officially completed on June 30, 2021, and spans across 14 road sections within Davao City to include Quimpo Boulevard, Sandawa Road, Roxas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Quirino Avenue, E. Jacinto Extension, Dr. A. Gahol Street, Mabini Street, F. Torres Street, Loyola Street, Porras Street, Inigo Street, and Decasio Street.
To ensure the safety of bikers, the bicycle lanes have white and green pavement markings, signages, bollards, bike symbols, solar studs, and concrete delineators. Bike racks are also provided to help bikers secure their bikes.
The Metro Davao bike lane project was funded by the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11494), with a total allocation of P145.371 million.
The completion of the bicycle lane project also fulfills the goals of sustainability and renewability of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
