Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Maria Rachel J. Arenas 
AN ACT PROMOTING AND RECOGNIZING BICYCLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE 
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of 
the people and instill health consciousness among them. It is also the duty of the State to protect 
the environment for a balanced and healthful ecology. However, the worsening traffic in the 
Philippines, especially in highly urbanized arenas in the country, has an adversely affected the 
health of many Filipinos and has also left detrimental effects to the environment. 
The Philippines ranked 69th most polluted country out of 131 countries and territories 
based on the 2022 edition of the World Air Quality Report by the Swiss air quality technology 
company IQAir. The country’s air quality is still three times higher than the annual average 
prescribed by the World Health Organization. According to the State of Global Air Report 
in 2019, the Philippines is among the top 10 countries with the highest mortality burden 
attributable to air pollution, with 64,000 deaths. While our air quality has slightly improved in 
the last 4 years, it is still considered three times higher than what is considered safe. Aside from 
air pollution, traffic jams are also causing unnecessary stress to drivers and commuters which 
affect their mental well-being. Due to these perennial problems, there has been a need to provide 
for an alternative and more sustainable mode of transportation. 
With the social distancing protocols under the new normal brought about by the lingering 
Covid-19 pandemic, bicycles have become an important and safer mode of transportation. The 
Bill proposes to recognize bicycles as one of the alternative and sustainable modes of 
May 17, 2023
2:39 pm
8168


transportation in the country. The need for corresponding bicycle infrastructures an facilities are 
also provided for in this bill in order to properly integrate bicycles as part of the Philippine public 
transportation system. 
The use of bicycles should no longer be seen as merely for leisure purposes but rather it 
should be recognized as an important non-motorized and environment-friendly mode of 
transportation that many Filipinos can benefit from. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this Bill is earnestly sought. 
    MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS 
 Representative 
 3rd District of the Province of Pangasinan 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Maria Rachel J. Arenas 
AN ACT PROMOTING AND RECOGNIZING BICYCLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE 
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Bicycle Act of 2023”. 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – The Constitution protects and advances the right of the 
Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
nature. Pursuant to this, it is the policy of the State to develop and promote alternative modes of 
transportation by encouraging the use of non-motorized and environment-friendly vehicles, 
Section 3. Bicycle as an Alternative Mode of Transportation. – The use of bicycles is 
hereby recognized as an alternative mode of transportation. A bicycle refers to a device that a 
person may ride which is propelled by human power and has two (2) tandem wheels, at least one 
(1) of which is more that fourteen (14) meters in diameter. Biking shall be incorporated as part of
public transportation as it effects multiple benefits, such as, but not limited to:
(a) a sustainable source of transportation;
8168


(b) an economically viable non-motorized vehicle; 
(c) an environment-friendly and pollution-free alternative to motorized vehicles; and 
(d) an active and healthy lifestyle. 
 
 
Section 4. Bicycle as Part of the Transportation Plan. – The comprehensive plan of the 
Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall recognize the use of bicycles as an alternative mode 
of transportation and shall integrate the development of the necessary infrastructures to support 
and promote biking. 
. 
 
Section 5. Bike Lanes and Other Infrastructure. – The DOTr with the Department of 
Public works and Highways (DPWH) and in coordination with the concerned local Government 
Units (LGUs), shall take the lead in the designation of bicycle lanes which shall serve as exclusive 
passage for cyclists. Motor vehicles are prohibited from being driven or parked on any bike lane. 
 
The bike lanes shall be separated by a physical barrier, whenever possible, and shall be 
clearly identified with signs and/or pavement markings. In cases where the installation of a 
physical barrier is not feasible, the lane for bicycles shall be identified through reflectorized 
painted lines. 
 
Other bike infrastructure facilities shall include, but are not limited, to the following: 
(a) Sidewalk improvements; 
(b) Traffic calming and speed reduction improvements; 
(c) Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements; 
(d) Traffic signages pertaining to bicycles; 
(e) Off-street pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and 
(f) Traffic diversion improvements. 
 
Section 6. Parking and Other Bike Parking Facilities. – All public places, government 
officers, schools, major business establishments, including malls, banks, restaurants, hospitals, and 
the like, are hereby required to provide adequate bicycle racks for bike parking and other 
infrastructure as far as practicable. 
 
 
Section 7. Shower and Changing Room. – The DOTr, together with the Department of 
Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall formulate guidelines on the establishment of shower 
and changing rooms in bike parking areas. 
 
 
Section 8. Participation of the Private Sector. – The private sector shall be encourage to 
participate in the promotion of biking as an alternative mode of transportation and in the 
development of the necessary infrastructure, facilities and programs of its implementation. 
 


 
Section 9.  Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual appropriation of the DOTr and DPWH.  
 
  
 
Section 10. Separability Clause. – Should any provision herein be subsequently 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity or the legality of the 
other provisions not so declared. 
 
Section 11. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations, other issuances, and parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act, are hereby repealed and modified accordingly. 
Section 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication 
in the least (2) newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved.