Include PH bike lanes in Google Maps, DOTr requests

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has asked tech giant Google to incorporate the bicycle lane routes in its navigational app Google Maps.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the agency is already coordinating the private firm, saying that including the bike lanes in the Google Map dashboard with help cyclists more on their daily commute.

“This will be a very good innovation for Google Maps considering that many Filipinos now are riding bikes as their main mode of transportation which brings significant health and environmental benefits especially amid the pandemic,” Tugade said.

While waiting for the approval, The DOTr chief expressed confidence that Google will “most likely pursue the Department's request as it is a supporter of active transport.”

“We have asked Google to consider this suggestion top priority considering the increasing number of Filipino cyclists. We are confident that we can win their support on this,” Tugade shared.

To note, the country already has a 500-kilometer bike lane network in metropolitan cities across the country. The bike lane network includes Metro Manila (313.12 kilometers), Metro Cebu (129.47 kilometers), and Metro Davao (54.74 kilometers).

Funded under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, these dedicated lanes feature pavement markings, physical separators, solar-powered road studs, thermoplastic paints, road signages, and bike racks.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV

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