By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City council urged the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) to immediately conduct a city-wide assessment, repainting and regular maintenance of pedestrian lanes, particularly those located near schools.

The council said they had already approved a resolution that seeks to enhance pedestrian safety as thousands of students, teachers and school personnel return to schools with the opening of classes today, June 8.

Councilor Caesar Distrito said many pedestrian lane markings throughout the city have become faded, worn out or difficult to see due to weather conditions, heavy vehicular traffic and the passage of time.

He said these conditions pose safety risks to pedestrians, especially to children.

“Pedestrian lanes are among the most basic yet most important road safety facilities in any city. Their visibility can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. As classes resume, we must ensure that our roads are safe for every student and pedestrian,” he added.

The city council also called for an immediate inventory and assessment of all pedestrian lanes, and prioritized the repainting and restoration of faded or damaged markings, especially those situated near schools.

Distrito said BTTMD should establish a regular inspection and maintenance program to ensure that pedestrian lane markings remain visible, functional and compliant with traffic safety standards.

He said that priority attention should be given to pedestrian crossings located near hospitals, public markets, government offices, churches, transport terminals, parks, and other areas with high pedestrian activity.

“Improving pedestrian lane visibility is a practical and cost-effective measure that can significantly reduce traffic-related incidents and strengthen road safety awareness among motorists,” he added./MAP, WDJ