METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III said on Wednesday that he would expand active transport programs after a recent survey showed that 94 percent of Filipinos want more bike lanes and pedestrian walkways.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted in May and cited by the Mobility Awards, found strong public support for investments in dedicated public transport lanes and other active transport infrastructure.
Torre said the issue is not about choosing between bicycles and motor vehicles but about giving Filipinos safer, faster and more affordable ways to travel.
”Every person who walks or rides a bicycle means one less vehicle on the road, smoother traffic flow, cleaner air, healthier citizens and more resilient cities that are better prepared for disasters, crises or transport disruptions,” Torre said.
He added that active transport should not be viewed merely as an infrastructure project but as an investment in public health, environmental sustainability, economic growth, road safety and the country’s resilience.
Torre said the MMDA will continue implementing programs to improve traffic management and build safer and more people-centered urban spaces across Metro Manila.
”It is time to design cities not only for vehicles, but for people,” he added.