
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is committed to motorless transportation options. This is evidenced by their ongoing development of paved bicycle pathways throughout the area.
The ongoing installation of bike lanes inside the Clark Freeport, was enhanced in July of 2021 with a new section to New Clark City. This project adds 7.96 kilometers of asphalt bike paths with markings and a reinforced concrete bike bridge as part of the buildout.
The company’s Engineering Services Group (ESG) – Construction Management Division (CMD) prioritized this bike lane project, which is considered Phase 3 and named the “New Clark City Non-Motorized Transport System to Clark Freeport Zone (NCCNMTSCFZ).” The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) provided funding and support for the project.
The project, according to the CDC, aims to establish the Freeport as a green, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly area, keeping in line with the goals of making Clark and New Clark City a modern, progressive, and clean environment.
The C.M. Recto Avenue and Creekside Road intersection, the Panday Pira Avenue rotunda, the Mabalacat Gate, the Marcos Village in this Freeport, and the stretch of Gil Puyat Avenue to Prince Balagtas Avenue are all covered by the bike lanes.
The bike path project’s Phase 1 was finished in 2019; the second, Phase 2, was finished in February 2021.
The Cross-Country path (CXC path) and the Biker’s Pit Stop are two additional bicycle-related projects that CDC finished in 2022. The initiatives immediately rose to the top of the list of frequent stops for passionate cyclists, both professional and amateur riders.
In the first half of 2023, CDC also finished a P21.9 million bike lane project inside the freeport. This project features two-meter-wide bike lanes at seven-kilometers along M.A. Roxas Highway. This is equivalent to 12,922 square meters of additional bike path. Protective bollards were constructed to separate from motor vehicles, to safeguard cyclists traveling along M.A. Roxas Highway.
With this project, the main goal of the CDC is to finish the bike path loop that interconnects Clark Freeport’s main gate, Mabalacat gate, and Friendship gate.
Clark is quickly becoming the go-to clean and safe bicycle enthusiast destination in the Philippines. Numerous cyclists and exercise enthusiasts are now using these bike lanes to commute to and from work, go for a bite to eat or just get some exercise. Many out-of-towner haul their prized two-wheeled motion machines to the Freeport for the weekend staying at a Clark hotel on vacation to enhance their stay and to keep in shape on their trip. Additionally, the Freeport has health and safety regulations in place to help protect the safety of exercise and cycling aficionados.
Members of the CDC Board of Directors, executives, and authorities have indicated tremendous support for these projects. The program’s objectives include encouraging a healthy lifestyle while boosting local tourism. The Philippine Sports Tourism Awards named the freeport the top sports destination of the year for 2015 and 2019.
According to CDC President and CEO Manuel Gaerlan, the CDC is now developing additional infrastructure projects aimed at bicycles and recreational riders. “Our work goes beyond infrastructure development. We are always making improvements, adding bike lanes and pit stops, cross-country trails, kid-friendly beginner trails, and other amenities that will make Clark more biker-friendly,” according to Gaerlan. CDC management is working to create a world-class freeport with connectivity being one of their top priorities.
CDC also created “Clark Bike Days,” a program for anyone wishing to tour scenic areas inside this Freeport. Every Saturday and Sunday, there are “bike days” that run from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a clean cycling environment within an environment that has better air quality, traffic controls and an all-around safe and sane experience, then Clark is your destination. While you are bicycling around Clark, you have ample opportunities to enjoy a great meal at a Clark Restaurant, stop off at an amusement or water park or have a cold one with friends along the path or your choice.