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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.__________ 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Julienne L. Baronda  
_____________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article II Section 16 of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect 
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with 
the rhythm and harmony of nature. It is therefore the policy of the State to carry out 
measures that ensure that its people are provided with adequate infrastructure that are 
not only accessible but likewise safe and convenient. 
 This bill seeks to establish a safe pathways network of bicycle lanes, 
walkways and slow streets where our people can safely walk, use bicycles not only as 
a mode of transportation but also of recreation, and avail of other non-motorized 
vehicles as an alternative to public transportation. Relatedly, the safe pathways 
network will encourage our citizens to make use of these alternatives which will 
result in reduced carbon emissions, road congestion, less use of energy and other 
resources, as well as less dependence on oil. It will also provide multiple health 
benefits and enhance the quality of life of our people. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our people in more ways than one. 
We learned that public health and safety should always be of paramount importance. 
We likewise learned that with the use of science in policy formulation, our vulnerable 
sectors like children and senior citizens can be protected from health risks. Lastly, 
self-care and physical activities are vital to well-being – for ourselves and for those 
around us. 
Legislative measures should therefore be passed to ensure that these lessons 
will not be put to waste. Luckily, we have the Hon. Senator Pia Cayetano, a staunch 
advocate of health consciousness and the shift to active and sustainable 
transportation, who sponsored a similar bill with the Senate. In her sponsorship 
speech, she said that “when we subject our people to hours and hours on the road in 
traffic, unable to be reunited at the end of a long work day with their families, having 
to leave when it's still dark to work - this is not a complete state of physical, mental, 
and social well-being. So until we are able to fix our transportation system, and one 
step in the right direction is active transport, then we will continue to deprive our 
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people of the kind of health that they deserve to have.” This representation shares the 
same sentiment. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Rep. Julienne “Jam” L. Baronda 
District Representative 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.__________ 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Hon. Julienne L. Baronda  
_____________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE 
PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS AND SLOW 
STREETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Walkable and Bikeable 
Communities 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 rhythm and harmony of nature, to protect and promote the right to health of the people 
and instill health consciousness among them.  
The State recognizes the urgent need to safeguard the public’s health during the 
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by promoting physical distancing. It acknowledges that the 
current transportation system compromises the safety of health workers, other essential 
workers, and commuters.  
The State also affirms the need for infrastructure and a change in mindset to 
encourage and accommodate sustainable and healthy modes of active transport such as 
walking, biking, and the use of other non-motorized vehicles and to provide safe and 
convenient pathways for commuters. It further acknowledges the need to provide quick 
solutions to long-standing mobility issues brought to light by this pandemic and that may 
arise again in other emergency situations. 
Prioritizing active transport will result in reduced carbon emissions, reduced road 
congestion, less use of energy and resources, as well as less dependence on oil, lightening 
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the impact of oil price shocks. It will also provide multiple health benefits and enhance the 
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 
Clean Energy); SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities 
and Communities); SDG 13 (Climate Action); and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined as 
follows:  
a. 
Active transport refers to physical activity undertaken as a means of 
transport, such as walking or cycling and the use of other non-motorized 
vehicles; 
b. 
Electric personal mobility devices refer to any electric motorized device 
exclusively used for transporting an individual. This includes electric 
bicycles and electric kick scooters, excluding motorcycles, tricycles, and 
other similar modes of transport;  
c. 
End-of-trip facilities refer to facilities that cater to active transport users’ 
needs at their destinations, which may include shower and changing rooms, 
short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle repair stations, and lockers, 
among others; 
d. 
Non-motorized vehicles refer to all forms of transportation that do not rely on 
an engine or motor for movement, including, but not limited to, bicycles and 
small wheeled non-motorized transport, such as skateboards, push scooters, 
and handcarts; and, 
e. 
Slow streets refer to local roads providing safe and convenient access and use 
by restricting motor vehicle access, use, or speed limits on certain days or 
hours in the day, or any combination of such measures as may be determined 
by the concerned local government unit (LGU), and prioritizing access and 
use by pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicle users.  
Sec. 4. Safe Pathways Network. – Within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of 
this Act, the Safe Pathways Network shall be established for the use of active transport: 
Provided, That the use of electric personal mobility devices may be allowed subject to the 
guidelines set by the LGUs, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). 
The Safe Pathways Network shall consist of the following:  


 
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a. 
Bicycle lanes. LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the Department of 
Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and create a network of 
bicycle lanes, which may be temporary or permanent in nature. The 
temporary lanes alternatively known as pop-up lanes shall be set up, 
whenever necessary, including during emergency situations: Provided, That 
along national roads in Metro Manila, the DOTr, in coordination with the 
DPWH and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall be the 
lead implementing agency.  
Pop-up bicycle 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 bicycle lanes shall, as much as practicable, directly connect users 
to essential destinations, such as medical facilities, public and private 
facilities frequented by people, schools, and other similar places that may be 
identified. Motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of transport, 
whether powered by fossil fuel or electricity, are prohibited from using the 
bicycle lanes unless otherwise designed for sharing with such modes of 
transport. 
b. 
Walkways. Walkways shall be designated or constructed for the use of 
pedestrians, including the use of strollers and other children’s mobility 
equipment. Walkways may also be shared with non-motorized vehicles and 
electric personal mobility devices, subject to the guidelines set by the LGUs 
and taking into account the safety of pedestrians. 
c. 
Slow streets. To complement the network of bicycle lanes, LGUs shall create 
a designated network of people-oriented slow streets, which may be 
temporary or permanent, that will provide safe and convenient access and use 
of specific local roads. Speed limits, access on certain days or hours in the 
day by motorized vehicles in slow streets, or any combination of such 
measures shall be determined by the concerned LGU. Motor vehicles of 
residents, delivery and trash collection vehicles servicing the area of the slow 
streets, and emergency services shall have access to slow streets subject to 
restrictions to be imposed by the LGU.  
Slow streets shall be clearly marked with signage specifying the 
restrictions. LGUs shall identify priority areas for implementation within 


 
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their jurisdiction. The DOTr and DPWH may provide assistance in the 
identification of slow streets. 
Sec. 5. Institutional Facilities Pathways Priority. – LGUs shall coordinate with 
public and private institutions within their jurisdiction frequented by the public, such as but 
not limited to healthcare facilities and institutions, schools, churches, and government 
offices, to establish bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets that can connect and provide 
safe access for the employees, customers and clients of such institutions as well as the 
general public, and to encourage the establishment of end-of-trip facilities within such 
institutions.   
Special attention shall be given towards the safety of healthcare workers and patients 
who use active transport to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.  
Sec. 6. Traffic Rules and Regulations. – All users of non-motorized vehicles and 
electric personal mobility devices shall, as far as applicable, obey traffic signals, signs and 
markers, road pavement markings, right-of-way, and other traffic rules and regulations.  
The LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall issue 
guidelines for the safe use of bicycle lanes and the use of non-motorized vehicles and 
electric personal mobility devices.  
Sec. 7. Bicycle Racks and Other End-of-Trip Facilities. – All public places, 
government offices, schools, places of work, mass transit and public utility vehicle 
terminals, and commercial establishments, including but not limited to malls, banks, and 
hospitals, shall provide, as far as practicable, secure bicycle or multi-use racks and other 
end-of-trip facilities, as needed.  
Sec. 8. Role of Public and Private Sectors. – Both the public and private sectors shall 
promote active transport as a sustainable and healthy means of transportation and develop 
the Safe Pathways Network as provided under Section 4 of this Act, by putting up the 
necessary infrastructure facilities and programs. Further, the said sectors shall also provide, 
as far as practicable, additional support, benefits, subsidies, and training that will promote 
active transport. 
LGUs shall incorporate the creation of the Safe Pathways Network and their 
corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.  
Sec. 9. Information and Education Campaign. – The DOTr, in coordination with 
other government agencies and the private sector, shall establish an information and 
education campaign on the importance of a shift to a sustainable and healthy mode of 
transportation, and the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network. The campaign 


 
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shall be designed for all present and potential active transport users, traffic enforcers, 
motorists, non-motorized vehicle and electric personal mobility device users, the commuting 
public, and the community in general.  
Sec. 10. Design and Construction of Permanent Bicycle Lanes and Walkways. – 
Permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be designated or constructed with safety as the 
paramount concern. As much as practicable, permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be 
physically separated from the main road through physical barriers, or shall be elevated or 
otherwise constructed separately from the main road.  
In areas where the physical separation of bicycle lanes and walkways is not possible, 
the roads shall be adapted, as far as practicable, for shared use with active transport users. 
Painted road markers may also be used for roads with limited space.  
The DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr and LGUs, shall revise its manuals and 
guidelines for road design and construction to include non-motorized vehicles and electric 
personal mobility devices in the allocation of road space on national and local roads, and to 
promote the safety of active transport and electric personal mobility device users. 
Sec. 11. Reportorial Requirement. – The DOTr shall submit an annual report to 
Congress on the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network for purposes of policy 
formulation and determining funding requirements. The report shall include relevant data 
such as the number of users of active transport and electric personal mobility devices, and 
mapping of the Safe Pathways Network in the country. 
To this end, LGUs shall submit to the DOTr the relevant information needed to 
formulate the report. 
Sec. 12. Sources of Funding. – The funds necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be sourced from the amounts set aside by LGUs for infrastructure projects within 
their jurisdiction, as well as from the appropriations of the DOTr and DPWH under the 
General Appropriations Act, and the Special Road Fund from the Motor Vehicle User’s 
Charge as provided under Republic Act No. 8794, as amended.  
Sec. 13. 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. 14. 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.  


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