A bicycle manual for cyclists, motorists and other road users was finally published in English and Filipino last week.

the Department of Transportation in partnership with the Metro Manila Development Authority and the private sector and launched a passport-size booklet which will soon be distributed free to the public.

Called on Active transport manual (bicycle), the manual contains important safety instructions and pointers that are part of the active transport guidelines initiated by the DOTr.

These include the use of safety equipment and hand signals, regular bicycle inspection and maintenance, and other road and highway protocols.

It was launched on April 21 with more than 140,000 copies published which would be distributed free of charge in all SM Malls across the country.

Besides SM, the initiative was also supported by the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Ministry of Home Affairs and Local Government (DILG), the Ministry of Health (DOH), the transport coalition called Move as One Coalition.

This project also came amid widespread calls for proper cycling infrastructure in Metro Manila and other urban areas as more and more Filipinos preferred to use the bicycle as a mode of transportation.

Due to tough lockdowns over the past year, some Filipinos have resorted to travel for essential goods and services using bicycles due to the lack of transportation options.

Later, they continued to prefer cycling on major highways, even during successive granular quarantine phases when some forms of public transport had resumed their activities.

In another Facebook page post called MNL Moves, he mentioned that DOTr and SM Cares also posted the following two videos:

1. A cyclist’s journey – an almost seven-minute video clip on pro-cycling communities with stories from cycling advocates and other personalities
2. SM Cares Bike Safety Tips – animated four-minute version of the bike manual

Secretary DOTr Arthur Tugade called on the public, in particular motorists and cyclists, to contribute to the success of this project of “citizen” cycle paths.

“To our compatriots, help us make this project a success. Let’s make this initiative a citizens’ initiative. Nananawagan din ‘ho ako a kababayang nagmamaneho ng de-engine with sasakyan with a pair of pagbibigayan in kalsada, lalo on the bike path with this option. Gawin nating ligtas ang ating mga sarili, pati na rin ang buhay ng a namimisikleta and pedestrian, ”Tugade mentionned.

Regarding cycle paths, Tugade noted that there are 296 kilometers of cycle paths with pavement markings, bollards installed, curbs and solar poles completed so far.

He also said he hoped to complete 535 kilometers of cycle lanes in the metro areas of Manila, Cebu and Davao before the end of the year.

President of MMDA Benhur Abalos also echoed the agency’s support for DOTr’s efforts to promote road safety to all road users.

Abalos said creating cycle paths has been an ongoing effort by DOTr and DPWH since the start of the pandemic.

“The MMDA provided coordination between agencies, local governments and cycling advocates. The MMDA fully supports this initiative of the DOTr, in partnership with the DILG, DPWH, DOH, Move as One Coalition and SM Supermalls, aimed at promoting road safety, courtesy and etiquette, not only for bikers, but for all users, ”said the MMDA president.