Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

Queson City

RECEIVED aM
/ UATE: MAY 28 2079
& TIME: 4.00pm (2/)
* BY spell Ep

EighteenthCongress o y
First Regular Session Sine SZ

HOUSE BILL No. 6860

Introduced by Representative MARLYN B. ALONTE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, people will have to get used to the
“new normal." Without a guaranteed level of protection against this coronavirus, there has
been a significant impact on how people move around.

In the transportation sector, changes have been put in place to ensure that health safety
standards, including physical distancing measures, are observed at all times for the safety
and protection of drivers and passengers. Because of this, there will be limitations in the
operations of different modes of transportation.

Filipinos then will have to resort to other means to get from Point A to Point B. During the
early days of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, health workers and other essential
workers were forced to walk and bike to and from work. And as long as there is a COVID-19
threat, more and more Filipinos will choose walking and biking as their modes of transport.

Not only are walking and biking economical for most people who had less income during the
lockdown, but they have proven to be beneficial in many ways, including improvements in
one's physical and mental health as well as improvement in overall air quality.

This bill aims to create a network of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways that are
people-oriented and pedestrian-friendly. Furthermore, such network may be adopted as a
permanent measure or solution to the terrible traffic situation and air pollution the country
has been experiencing in recent years.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. MARLYN B. ALONTE


Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quon Cay

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BiLL No. 6860

Introduced by Representative MARLYN B. ALONTE

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NETWORK OF POP-UP BICYCLE LANES AND EMERGENCY
PATHWAYS FOR USE DURING THE DURATION OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Safe Pathways Act”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The Constitution mandates the State to protect and
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
thythm and harmony of nature, and to protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Action Plan Against COVID-19 provides
that the State shall mitigate the consequences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the social,
economic, and personal security of the Filipino people.

The State recognizes that the current transportation system does not address the need
for physical distancing.

The State likewise acknowledges the need for infrastructure and a change in mindset to.
‘encourage and accommodate alternative modes of transportation such as walking, bicycles and
other non-motorized vehicles, and to provide safe and convenient pathways for pedestrians and
non-motorized travel. It also recognizes the urgency of this need during the COVID-19 pandemic, to
ensure physical distancing and given the limited forms of transportation available to front liners and
essential workers for so long as there is reduced mobility.

Prioritizing walking, biking and the use of non-motorized vehicles will result in reduced
carbon emissions, less use of energy and resources, and provide multiple health benefits and
increase quality of life.

These are also in line with the State's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), in particular: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being); SDG 7 (Affordable and 9 Clean Energy);
$06 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SOG
13 (Climate Action); and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).


For purposes of this Act, "Non-Motorized Vehicles” includes all forms of travel that do not
rely on an engine or motor for movement. This includes, but is not limited to, walking, bicycles, and
‘small-wheeled non-motorized transport (skates, skateboards, push scooters and hand carts).

Sec. 3, Safe Pathways Network. - Immediately upon the effectivity of this Act, the
Department of Transportation (DOTr) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
and in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), shall identify and create a network of pop-
up bicycle lanes that may be used during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pop-up
bicycle lanes are strictly for bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles only, and shall connect users
to essential destinations such as medical facilities, public and private facilities frequented by people,
school, when they do open, and other similar places that may be identified. The lanes may be
marked with removable tapes and mobile signs, which can easily be placed and removed as
necessary. Other physical barriers may also be used.

The pop-up bicycle lanes must have the necessary space to accommodate the expected
increase of users and the need for physical distancing at least one (1) meter apart.

To complement the network of pop-up bicycle lanes, LGUs shall create a designated
network of people-oriented emergency pathways along local roads that will provide pedestrians and
bicycle and non-motorized vehicle users safe, convenient access to frequented destinations by
restricting motorized vehicle passage in these pathways during peak hours. The emergency
pathways shall be clearly marked with signage containing restrictions.

‘The DOTr and DPWH shall identify priority areas for implementation.

Sec. 4, Non-Motorized Vehicle Parking Spaces. - All public places, government offices,
schools, places of work and major commercial establishments, including malls, banks, hospitals, and
the like, shall provide adequate parking spaces for bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles as far
as practicable.

Sec. 5. Role of the Public and Private Sectors. - Both the public and private sectors shall
promote walking and using bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles as an alternative means of
travel. They shall develop the necessary infrastructure, facilities and programs for its
implementation, including showers and changing areas and shall continue following physical
distancing measures during travel.

Sec. 6. Permanent Adoption of Safe Pathways Network. - The DOTr and DPWH, in
coordination with the appropriate agencies, shall prepare to permanently adopt the established
bicycle lanes and emergency pathways, as may be appropriate, once COVID 19 is no longer a threat
as declared by the proper authorities. Pursuant to this, non-motorized parking spaces and other
infrastructure shall also be made permanent as may be appropriate and practicable.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the DOTr shall promulgate and issue the necessary guidelines for the effective
implementation of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Section
shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Sec. 8. Appropriations. -The funds necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the appropriations of the DOTr, DPWH, and LCDs as needed. Thereafter,
funding shall be included in the budget of the DOTr and DPWH under the annual General
Appropriations Act.


Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,