Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 6905
Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The COVID-19 pandemic truly serves as a wake-up call to all Filipinos. There is merit in saying
that many of the shortcomings of our overall response to this national emergency can be traced to
societal problems which have long been identified. These could have been addressed prior to the
onset of a crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. And, truly, doing so would have
prevented the incalculable loss of lives, resources, and mitigated the damages to our society,
‘economy, and the personal security of our people. However, regardless of how we arrived at this
juncture, we must now take the opportunity to enact, with passionate haste, quality laws and
programs which have for their purpose the protection and betterment of the lives of every Filipino.

The Constitution mandates that the State shall protect and advance the right of the Filipino people
to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm 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 complex issue of transportation, amidst the necessary call of physical distancing, stands as
one of the biggest obstacles which we have to overcome. Many of our frontliners have already
taken the initiative of solving this problem by moving towards alternative modes of transportation
which, at the same time, are environmentally friendly. The autocentric model of our cities is hostile


to commuters and far from conducive to walking, biking, and the like. The onus is now on us to
ensure the safety of the public, most of which are frontliners, while encouraging a desirable
behavior such as this. We must acknowledge that there is a need for infrastructure to accommodate
alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles, and to
provide safe and convenient pathways for pedestrians and non-motorized travel.

Furthermore, there are numerous environmental, health, and socio-economic benefits which
persuades us to do so. Prioritizing walking, biking, and the use of non-motorized vehicles will
result in reduced carbon emissions and less use of energy and resources. Public health is promoted
in encouraging movement, thereby reducing chronic illnesses and obesity.’ It also encourages
social interaction, reduces crime, and strengthens and develops community cohesion ? Lastly, the
rate of walkability is directly correlated to economic growth, including basic mobility, consumer
cost savings, public cost savings (reduced external costs), efficient land use, community livability,
improved fitness and public health, economic development, and support for equity objectives.’
However, no reason is as relevant today as the urgency of this need during the COVID-19
pandemic, given the limited forms of transportation available to frontliners and essential workers
for so long as there is reduced mobility.

Notwithstanding the fact that we are far from the ideal of creating truly walkable cities, the
proposed measure is a right step towards that direction. Let us move away from autocentric sprawls
and redraw our cities to accommodate pedestrians and non-motorized transportation.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ROMAN T. ROMULO
Lone District, Pasig City

' Zapata-Diomedi, B., Boulangé, C., Giles-Cort, B. et al. Physical actvity-related health and economic benefits of
building walkable neighbourhoods: a modelled comparison between brownfield and greenfield developments. Int J
Behav Nutr Phys Act 16, 11 (2019). htips/doi.org/10. 1 186/s12966-019-0775-8

2 Iris Glas, Godtried Engbersen & Erik Snel (2019) The street level and beyond: The impact of ethnic diversity on
neighborhood cohesion and fear of crime among Dutch natives and nonnatives Joumal of Urban Affairs, 41:6, 737-
755, DOI: 10.1080/07352166.2018, 1533379

» Litman, Tedd. (2003). Economic Value of Walkabilty. Transportation Research Record. 1828, 3-11. 10.3141/1828-
o1



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6905
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Roman T. Romulo

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NETWORK OF POP-UP BICYCLE LANES AND 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 State shall protect and advance the right of
the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature, and to protect and promote the right to health of the people instilling
health consciousness among them.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic the State shall mitigate the consequences and
impact of the pandemic to the social, economic, and personal security of the Filipino
people.*

4 Section A (4), Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) Resolution No.
15, 24 March 2020.


The State acknowledges the need for infrastructure and a change in mindset to
encourage and accommodate alternative modes of transportation such as 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 frontliners and essential workers for so long as there is reduced
mobility.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms —

a. “Bicycle Lanes” shall mean dedicated lanes to be used by non-motorized
vehicle riders.

b. “Non-Motorized Vehicles” shall mean to include all forms of travel that do not
rely on an engine or motor for movement. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycles,
and small-wheeled non-motorized transport, such as, skates, skateboards, push scooters
and hand carts).

©. “Safe Pathways” shall mean lanes along major and minor roads for exclusive
use of non-motorized vehicles.

Sec. 4. Safe Pathways Network. — Immediately upon the effectivity of this Act, the
Department of Transportation (DOT?) with the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWh), and in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), shall identify and
prioritize the creation of a network of pop-up bicycle lanes that may be used during the
duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pop-up bicycle lanes shall be exclusive, and
shall connect users to essential destinations such as medical facilities, wet and dry
markets, schools, public and private facilities frequented by people 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 pathways along local roads that will provide pedestrians and
bicycle users safe and convenient access to frequented destinations by restricting
motorized vehicle passage in these pathways during peak hours. The pathways shall be
clearly marked with signage containing restrictions.

Sec. 5. 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 non-motorized
vehicles as far as practicable.

Sec. 6. Role of the Public and Private Sectors. — Both the public and private sectors
‘shall promote walking and the use of 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 pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle pathways, as may be appropriate,
once the 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 and the DPWH 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 LGUs 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,