Bicycle Lanes In Cebu City

[MikeB]

Seems like a no-brainer, riding a bicycle decreases the number of people driving and using already overburdened public transportation and encourages good health through exercise. But how healthy and safe is it to be breathing uncontrolled, largely unregulated pollutants and mixing it up in close combat with taxis, jeepneys and all other manner of vehicles on a bicycle? Seems like a good way to get killed. It works in other countries but could it work in disorderly, undisciplined urban areas in developing countries? Can't see it affecting tourism much, how many tourists will haul a bike thousands of miles? Rentals? 

"Bike lanes in Cebu City gain support   

BIKERS are looking forward to the implementation of the shared priority bike lanes in Cebu City. Tindak Sugbo Community gave its full support to the proposed “Tindak Sugbo Lanes Ordinance” proposed by Councilor Nida Cabrera. A public hearing was conducted on the proposal yesterday. Cabrera said that there is a need to establish shared priority bike lanes and bike-friendly zones in order to safeguard bikers from accidents. Tony Dimataga of the Cebu Extreme Bikers Union said that bike lanes can increase perception of safety and will encourage more bikers. He also said that through a designated bike lane, private and public drivers can finally recognize that cyclists are also road users. Another Tindak Sugbo member, Dr. Henry Dimaano, spoke of the medical benefits of biking during the public hearing.

Dimaano said biking can benefit the cardiovascular system and metabolism, which are probable problems as one grows older. Environmentalist Joel Lee also expressed that a bike lane may encourage more tourists, particularly biking enthusiasts. People would also be enticed to exercise and the streets would be more peaceful as the city also becomes environmentally friendly. Engr. Fernando Cruz of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 also offered support for the proposal. But he said bike lanes are only appropriate for wider roads and should not be allowed in narrow roads. DPWH 7 suggested Osmeña Boulevard, Archbishop Reyes Ave. and Gorordo Ave. as the most feasible roads in the city. There is no budget for the paints to mark the designated bike lanes though so Cruz suggested that this be incorporated in the ordinance. A width of 1.5 meters is enough for a shared bike lane. Paul Villarete, former city planning and development coordinator, suggested a separate road to be designated as bike lanes saying it would be easier to protect cyclists if they are not on the same road as regular vehicles. Cebu City Traffic Operations Management Executive Director Rafael Yap said his office is not against the proposed ordinance but is wary of possible social and technical issues that may arise during the implementation. Yap said it is Citom’s job to ensure the safe and unhindered flow of traffic so it is in the position to keep an eye on bikers who may commit violations."

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 26, 2014.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/06/26/bike-lanes-cebu-city-gain-support-350293

[Tukaram (Tim)]

Here in Iloilo they are putting in 10 foot wide brick sidewalks as bicycle lanes.  They look really cute but paving with bricks is hell on a bicycle... it will rattle your fillings out!

 

But the good news is they just tore down a huge swath of squatter houses to make room for the bike lane.  A much needed improvement for the neighborhood  :tiphat:

[MikeB]

I shipped my bike over, took one good look at the situation in Cebu City and said no effin way. Still have the bike, rode it maybe twice in the province. If a motorbike is the equivalent of a mosquito a bicycle isn't even larvae. Count me in when they use reinforced concrete barriers instead of paint between the bike lanes and the jeepneys.

[OnMyWay]

The trikes will love them!  What is a "shared" bicycle lane?

[Dave Hounddriver]

If motorcycles drive on the sidewalks in Cebu (and they do every day at peak hours) what makes anyone think that the 'bicycle lane' would not be a 'motorcycle lane' within an hour of it opening?

[robert k]

Bicycling sounds suicidal.

[scott h]

I am gonna have to put on my cynic hat here sorry. If its a bike lane (even painted and marked) on the side of the road like in the states. 10-1 jeepneeys will still unload in them, as will delivery trucks, trikes and motorcycles will use them to pass, push carts will just use the bike lane instead of the slow lane of traffic and the roadside sari-sari store will expand its business by setting up a fresh fruit and vegi stall. OH pedi-cabs are technically bicycles aren't they???? And if they are true bike paths as lots of counties have,,,,5-1 motorcycles will find them in a heart beat.

 

Sounds like a good idea, just not ready for prime time yet.

[Old55]

Scott nailed it.

[OnMyWay]

I am gonna have to put on my cynic hat here sorry. If its a bike lane (even painted and marked) on the side of the road like in the states. 10-1 jeepneeys will still unload in them, as will delivery trucks, trikes and motorcycles will use them to pass, push carts will just use the bike lane instead of the slow lane of traffic and the roadside sari-sari store will expand its business by setting up a fresh fruit and vegi stall. OH pedi-cabs are technically bicycles aren't they???? And if they are true bike paths as lots of counties have,,,,5-1 motorcycles will find them in a heart beat.

 

Sounds like a good idea, just not ready for prime time yet.

 

Like anything else here, or for that matter anywhere, if there is no enforcement, it will just be abused.  However, I still like the idea because it is a step in the right direction just to get the paint down.  Use it at your own risk.  Progress may come.  I remember back in the 70s and 80s when the US started putting them in, slowly.  My teenage friends and I laughed at them and said who the heck is going to use those.  Not many did.  It has taken many years for cycling to catch on and the lanes became accepted.

 

We have some bike lanes here in the Freeport and they are used a lot.  We have a lot of bike riders, both commuters and recreational.  The lanes are relatively safe.  One key reason is that we don't have trikes and jeeps, and laws are somewhat enforced here.

 

Which is why I live here.

[sandwichmaker]

You guys can be cynics and it's easy to understand why. The fact is, I've seen people cycling in Cebu city, and not just 1 or 2.

Painting cycle lanes is a step in the right direction, and for that reason I support it way sooner than I support your right to own a huge SUV in Cebu city.