Baguio roads bike lanes slated with P18-M fund

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The putting up of bicycle lanes in the city is one of the projects that will be prioritized in the re-appropriation of the 18 million from the 20-million fund that was initially earmarked for the subsidy of public utility jeepney drivers.

According to Engr. Bonifacio Dela Peña, City Administrator, the City Government is eyeing four roads in the city for the installation of bike lanes. These are Naguilian Rd., Marcos High Way (from Green Valley junction to the rotunda of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center), Loakan Rd. (from Scout Barrio to Session Road Circle), and Pacdal Rotunda.

Dela Peña revealed the executive body intends to purchase thermoplastic paints and accessories for bicycle lanes, two sets of thermoplastic paint machines, and two sets of road marking removers for the purpose.

Advocating safe bike riding on city streets, Dela Peña underscored the said project was deemed urgent by the executive body as cycling has gained popularity as an alternative mode of transportation during this community quarantine.

The installation of bicycle lanes, according to Dela Peña, will benefit the cyclists in the city whose number continues to increase.

Other projects that will be funded by the said amount are the following:

Construction of the bridge connecting Maya and Aguila Streets at Dizon Subdivision Barangay;

Installation of international standard road signs and symbols in the city; and

Electrical system of the temporary garbage station at Marcos Highway.

The city council approved the request of the executive body to re-appropriate the said fund to the aforesaid projects.

According to Dela Peña, the 18 million is an excess of the 20-million fund that was appropriated for the subsidy of PUJ drivers. He said only 1.86 million is to be utilized for the purpose, thus a saving in the amount of 18.1 million which will now be used for the aforementioned projects.