DOTr coordinates with Google for bike lane routes on map app

The Department of Transportation said Thursday that it is coordinating with Google to include bike lane routes in the Philippines in the dashboard for its popular real-time navigation app Google Maps.

In a statement, the DOTr said the inclusion of bike lanes on Google Maps will help cyclists on their daily rides.

“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,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Tugade said the DOTr is now waiting for Google’s approval as he expressed confidence that the tech giant 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,” the Transport chief said.

The DOTr said it has already completed its 500-kilometer bike lane network in metropolitan cities across the Philippines.

The bike lane network includes Metro Manila with 313.12 kilometers, Metro Cebu with 129.47 kilometers, and Metro Davao with 54.74 kilometers.

Bike lanes have pavement markings, physical separators, solar-powered road studs, thermoplastic paints, road signages, and bike racks, it said.

The bike lanes project was funded under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, it added. —LBG, GMA News