From the previous 55 kilometers, the Quezon City Government has almost doubled its bike lane network to 93 kilometers.

On Saturday, the city inaugurated the expanded bike lane together with local and national government officials and bicycle riding organizations.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte spearheaded the bike lanes inauguration, together with Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos, and Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Mark Steven Pastor.

Other local officials who also joined the inauguration were City Administrator Michael Alimurung, Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo, Councilor Hero Bautista, Councilor Mikey Belmonte, Quezon City Police District Director BGen. Antonio Yarra, Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) Head Elmo San Diego, and Task Force on Traffic and Transportation Management (TFTTM) Head Dexter Cardenas.

“This is in line with our commitment to make Quezon City a bike-friendly city where bikers can reach their destinations safely and quickly,” Belmonte said.

Last year, the city government began to improve and expand existing bike lanes to accommodate people who have shifted to biking due to limited transportation options during the lockdown. The improvement of the bike lane network is also deemed as essential infrastructure in adapting to the new normal.

The city government has upgraded bike lanes by placing barriers in major thoroughfares, signages and road markings to ensure the safety of bikers.

At the same time, Belmonte reminded motorists not to obstruct the bike lanes after the city government apprehended more than 600 motorists for illegal parking.

“Bike lanes are designed to put the safety of cyclists first. If you obstruct their lane, that puts them in danger and defeats the very purpose of our bike lanes,” Belmonte said.

Meanwhile, Belmonte announced that the city will roll out its bike registration program, which will be voluntary for bikers or bicycle-riding groups. Bikes will be documented in an electronic database and assigned a unique number.

“This program aims to help cyclists find stolen or missing bicycles, and assist them should they get involved in an accident,” said Belmonte.

“The registration costs P150.00. Numbered stickers will be given to those who choose to avail of the program as proof of their registration,” she added.

In a related development, the Green Transport Office under the Department of Public Order and Safety will deploy 50 “bike patrollers” all over the city to ensure the safety of riders.