THE Mandaue City Government, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways 7, installed plastic bollards on bicycle lanes along major highways in the city.
The bollards will serve as protection against motor-operated vehicles on Ouano Ave., D.M. Cortes going to U.N. Ave. and A.C. Cortes, which constitute the first phase of the City’s bicycle lane network.
John Eddu Ibañez, Mayor Jonas Cortes’ executive secretary, said the designated lanes were introduced in June last year as residents took up bicycling as a means of transportation due to the limited operation of public utility vehicles.
In case of accidents, Ibañez said bollards will not cause any major damage since they are made of plastic. Although bolted to the ground, they can also be removed easily, he said.
Ibañez reminded motorists that bicycle lanes are for the exclusive use of bicycles. He said Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) personnel will apprehend drivers of motorcycles or motor vehicles using the lane.
The City passed the Comprehensive Bicycle Ordinance two months ago, he said.
Meanwhile, Ibañez announced that the City plans to install bicycle racks and bicycle parking in public areas. It will also set up another bicycle repair station similar to the one at the corner of Zamora St. and SB Cabahug in Barangay Centro.
Through these projects, Ibañez hopes more people will take up bicycling. (KFD)