Gov't spent PhP 1.09-billion on bicycle lanes

DOTr completes bicycle lanes in three major cities

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has recently completed the installation of road signs and pavement markings along the 497-kilometer bicycle lane network across Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

The total cost of creating bicycle lanes in these three cities: PhP 1.09-billion.

According to the DOTr's report, in Metro Manila, the bicycle lane network required PhP 801.8-million for the installation of pavement markings, physical separators (bollards, concrete separators), and signages. The total Metro Manila bicycle lane network is 313 kilometers.

In Metro Cebu, the installation of pavement markings, physical separators (bollards, concrete separators), and signages required PhP 150-million for a total of 129-kilometers of bike lanes.

In Metro Davao, the bicycle lane network required PhP 145.3-million to complete the installation of pavement markings, physical separators (bollards, concrete separators), and signages for 55-kilometers of lanes.

Cost per kilometer

As mentioned above, the total cost of the 497-kilometer tri-city bicycle lane network is a staggering PhP 1,090,000,000 of taxpayer’s money. So, how much does it cost per kilometer?

Based on the DOTr’s report, Metro Manila has a total of 313 kilometers of bicycle lane network. If our math is right, that means the government spent PhP 2,561,661.34 of taxpayer’s money per kilometer on signages, road markings and other pertinent structures related to the bicycle lane. In Metro Cebu, the bicycle lane costs PhP 1,162,790.69 per kilometer.

But this is nothing compared to Metro Davao’s bicycle lane network, which turned out to be the most expensive. According to the report by the DOTr, Metro Davao has a 55-kilometer bicycle lane network and the total cost of the installation of road markings, signages and other pertinent structures related to the bicycle lane amounted to PhP 145,300,000. If our math is right, that means the government spent PhP 2,641,818.18 per bicycle lane kilometer in Metro Davao, or PhP 80,156.84 more expensive per kilometer than Metro Manila's bicycle lane network.

Watch out for a cyclist, save a life

It may seem exhorbitant, but all in all, these figures are nothing compared to the lives that are saved daily because of the dedicated bicycle lane. Unlike before, cyclists would put their lives at risk every day by sharing the road with larger, faster vehicles without the safety of a dedicated bicycle lane.

It is also worth noting that under Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, the promotion of active transportation was strengthened by the declaration of the bicycle as an additional mode of transportation and the provision of funding to support the establishment of bike lane networks.

Source: Philippine News Agency