By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — Starting Thursday, cyclists will be able to use the 5.58-kilometer bicycle lane facility along the stretch of the Laguna Lake Highway in Taguig City.
This, after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Taguig City officials, headed by Mayor Lani Cayetano and Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz Jr., formally opened the three-meter wide bicycle lane.
According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, the bike lane is protected by a two-meter planting strip to make cycling safe and comfortable for everyone.
“It is our priority to build safe roads and bridges that will also cater to bikers and pedestrians, hence the inclusion of protected bike lanes and sidewalk spaces in our new projects,” Villar said in a statement.
Aimed at opening up transportation, recreation, and health opportunities, the bike lane component was added to the 6.94-kilometer Laguna Lake Highway, which was constructed to serve as an alternative route to EDSA and C-5.
DPWH has allocated PHP1.28 billion for the construction of the highway, including the bicycle lane with provisions of street lights and road safety signage.
The multi-billion structure also features 1.5-meter sidewalks on both sides for pedestrian and an elevated dike to protect the people against flooding.
Likewise, the road can also be used as a temporary evacuation area during the occurrence of floods because of its high elevation.
The four-lane Laguna Lake Highway was completed in November 2018.
