In progressive nations, cycling has become a cornerstone of urban planning and development. Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden are renowned for seamlessly integrating cycling into their urban design and policy frameworks.
The Global Blueprint and Cebu's Stagnation
These nations recognize that building dedicated cycling infrastructure is vital for a city's livability and sustainability. This approach not only improves public health but also significantly decongests traffic, leading to freer-flowing roads and better overall mobility. Their economies have thrived as a result.
The economic impact of traffic congestion is severe. Billions of pesos are lost daily in the Philippines due to lost man-hours—the productive work one person can do in an hour. This lost productivity translates directly into economic losses.
This is not a new revelation for Cebu. A study from Japan many years ago identified the same issues. Yet, according to local advocates, the government has taken insufficient action to solve the worsening traffic crisis in Sugbo (Cebu).
The Failed Pandemic Initiative and Lack of Support
Advocates argue that the cost of building infrastructure to support exclusive bike lanes would be offset by recovering the massive losses from unproductive man-hours spent in traffic jams.
While the government did establish bike lanes during the pandemic, including in Cebu, this effort is now seen as largely wasted. The lanes are not exclusive for cyclists and lack fundamental support from the most basic government unit—the barangay.
Bike patrol personnel cannot possibly monitor all bike lanes in Cebu City alone, especially when other Local Government Units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu show little interest in sustaining the campaign for proper bike lane use.
A Unified Call for Protective Infrastructure
"Myself and my colleagues in the biking community, along with mobility and sustainability advocates in Metro Cebu, are pushing for exclusive and protective bike lanes to promote a true biking culture," stated a local advocate.
They insist that without uniform, protective bike lanes across Metro Cebu, the public will not be encouraged to use bicycles. "Who wants to pedal when you're filled with fear, sharing the road with vehicles that might sideswipe you?"
Try cycling on our roads—your heart will race as you compete for space with cars and, especially, motorcycles. Until there are exclusive bike lanes, the bike culture in our country will not flourish. Nothing else will encourage people to cycle; it must start with exclusive lanes and supporting infrastructure from private establishments.
