Contending that there are more people using motorcycles on the road than bicycles, Councilor Conrado Baluran of the Third District of Davao City recommended making the bicycle lanes in Davao City into shared lanes so that motorcycle riders can also use them particularly during work days.
“Naay niabot sa atong opisina regarding anang bicycle lane. Kung atong tan-awon karon ang mga nagdagan na bisikleta seguro pinaka daghan na ang mga 2,000 samantalang ang mga motorcycles pirting daghana gyud. Mao na karon naay mga suggestions puwede na nga mag mix na lang sila sa lane. Atong giplano nga amyendahan na himoong shared lane ang bicyle lane with motorcycles. Pero kung weekends atong hangyoon ang mga motorcycles atong i-priority ang lanes sa bicycle enthusiasts,” he said.
Baluran said he is proposing the amendment of the bicycle ordinance for this suggestion and also to stop the riders from being arrested every time they use the bike lanes.
“Mintras dili pa nato na ma-amend kung naa man muagi dinha na motorcycles sa bicycle lane puwede sila dakpon,” he said.
In 2020, former Mayor Sara Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 40 Series of 2020 or an “order providing for the suspension of bicycle registration, fees, and allowing the use of bicycle lanes in Davao City” wherein Section 4 states that “bicycle lanes marked by the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office may be used by all persons on bicycles, except pedal-operated passenger tricycles for hire. No motorized transport vehicle may use, park, or stop on the marked bicycle lanes. Pedestrians are urged to use the sidewalks and not the bicycle lanes to give way to persons on bicycles.”
Baluran said if this is amended, motorcycles will be allowed to use the bicycle lanes during peak hours without being apprehended.
“Why? tungod kay kining bicycle lanes naghimo ta ug ordinance kay atong gi protektahan tong mga enthusiasts panahon Sabado ug Dominggo nga magpanon padulong sa Marilog ug Kapatagan. Pero during work days atong i-allow or i-amend para magamit sa mga motorcycles ang bicycle lanes. Puwede nato himoong shared lanes na lang siya kung work days pero pag-abot sa Sabado ug Domingo exclusive gyud na sa mga bike enthusiasts,” he said.
In July last year, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) opened the 54.744 kilometers bike lane network in Davao City, which spans across 14 road sections within Davao City including 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.
