TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL-2 P4:55
SENATE 
S. No. 24
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE 
PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS, AND SLOW 
STREETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Every Filipino deserves the right to travel in a way that is safe, 
health-promoting, and economically accessible. Our current public transportation 
system, however, remains overcrowded, inadequate, and inaccessible to many. 
The country's reliance on private cars not only exacerbates traffic congestion but 
also undermines efforts toward sustainability, contributing significantly to air 
pollution and environmental degradation.
It also bears noting that the recent developments in the Middle East, 
particularly the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, have caused significant 
volatility in the global oil market. This situation is especially concerning for the 
transportation sector, where rising fuel prices directly impact the affordability and 
sustainability of public and private transportation.
In this context, the urgent need for alternative modes of transportation 
has never been more apparent. Shifting towards more sustainable, cost-effective, 
and energy-efficient transportation systems is critical to mitigating the impact of 
global oil price volatility. Investing in infrastructure for biking, walking, and public


transportation systems that are less reliant on fossil fuels can help reduce the 
country's dependence on oil, protect the environment, and improve the overall 
quality of life for Filipinos.
As a party to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 
Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs). According to the United Nations (UN), the Philippines 
has improved its global SDG standing, from 98th, now ranking 92nd out of 167 
countries, and 6th among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 
members. While this marks progress, challenges remain: the country is currently 
stagnant in meeting some of the targets, including: SDG 3 (Good Health and 
Well-Being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11 (Sustainable 
Cities and Communities).1 These are sectors where transport policy plays a vital 
role. In particular, SDG 11 is closely tied to urban planning and the need to 
address air pollution, congestion, and access to safe, inclusive mobility. By 
advancing active and sustainable transport, this measure aims to address these 
gaps and support the Philippines in achieving its 2030 SDG targets.2
The undersigned first filed this proposed measure in the 18th Congress 
and refiled it in the 19th Congress as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on 
Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking. The bill seeks 
to promote safe, accessible, and inclusive mobility through the development of 
dedicated walkways, bike lanes, and slow streets.
This bill is designed as a long-term strategy to address urban congestion, 
rising and unpredictable fuel prices, and ongoing air pollution. It also emphasizes 
the importance of slow streets in communities, to limit motorized vehicle use and
1 Wealth Insights.ph. (2024). Philippines as improved slightly in attaining SDGS — UN report 
https://wealthinsights.metrobank.com.ph/bworldonline/philippines-improved-slightly-in-attaining-sdgs-un-report/
2 UN Environment Programme, (n.d). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
https://www.unep.org/topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal-
11-0#:~:text=UNEP's%20work%20on%20Goal%2011&text=UNEP%20is%20focused%20on%20enabling,who%2
0live%20in%20informal%20settlements.


serve as shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized 
travelers.3
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is 
urgently sought.
A s; caymtano
Slow Streets Program, (n.d.). https.7/www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL-2 P4:55
SENATE
S. No. 24
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
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:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Walkable and Bikeable
2 
Communities Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The Constitution mandates the State to protect
4 
and advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
5 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, to protect and promote the right to
6 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
7 
The State also affirms the need for infrastructure and a change in mindset to
8 
encourage and accommodate sustainable and healthy modes of active transport such
9 
as walking, biking, and the use of other non-motorized vehicles and to provide safe
10 
and convenient pathways for commuters. It further acknowledges the need to address
11 
long-standing mobility issues.
12 
Towards this end, the State shall prioritize active transport which contributes
13 
to reduced carbon emissions, reduced road congestion, less use of energy and
14 
resources, as well as less dependence on oil, lightening the impact of oil price shocks.
15 
It will also provide multiple health benefits and enhance the quality of life.
16 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined
17 
as follows:


1 
(a) Active transport refers to physical activity undertaken as a means of
2 
transport, such as walking or cycling and the use of other non-motorized
3 
vehicles;
4 
(b) Electric persona! mobility devices refer to any electric motorized
5 
device exclusively used for transporting an individual. This includes electric
6 
bicycles and electric kick scooters, excluding motorcycles, tricycles, and other
7 
similar modes of transport;
8 
(c) End-of-trip facilities refer to facilities that cater to active transport
9 
users needs at their destinations, which may include shower and changing
10 
rooms, short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle repair stations, and
11 
lockers, among others;
12 
(d) Non-motorized vehicles refer to all forms of transportation that do
13 
not rely on an engine or motor for movement, including, but not limited to,
14 
bicycles and small wheeled non-motorized transport, such as skateboards, push
15 
scooters, and handcarts; and
16 
(e) Slow streets refer to local roads providing safe and convenient access
17 
and use by restricting motor vehicle access, use, or speed limits on certain days
18 
or hours in the day, or any combination of such measures as may be determined
19 
by the concerned local government unit (LGU), and prioritizing access and use
20 
by pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicle users.
21 
Sec. 4. Safe Pathways Network. - Within twelve (12) months from the
22 
effectivity of this Act, the Safe Pathways Network shall be established for the use of
23 
active transport: Provided, That the use of electric personal mobility devices may be
24 
allowed subject to the guidelines set by the LCDs, in consultation with the Department
25 
of Transportation (DOTr).
26 
The Safe Pathways Network shall consist of the following:
27 
(a) Bicycle lanes. LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the
28 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and create a
29 
network of bicycle lanes, which may be temporary or permanent in nature. The
30 
temporary lanes alternatively known as pop-up lanes shall be set up, whenever
31 
necessary, including during emergency situations: Provided, That along
32 
national roads in Metro Manila, the DOTr, in coordination with the DPWH and


1 
the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall be the lead
2 
implementing agency.
3 
Pop-up bicycle lanes may be marked with removable tapes and mobile
4 
signs, which can easily be placed and removed as necessary. Other physical
5 
barriers may also be used. The bicycle lanes shall, as much as practicable,
6 
directly connect users to essential destinations, such as medical facilities, public
7 
and private facilities frequented by people, schools, and other similar places
8 
that may be identified. Motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of
9 
transport, whether powered by fossil fuel or electricity, are prohibited from
10 
using the bicycle lanes unless otherwise designed for sharing with such modes
11 
of transport.
12 
(b) Walkways. Walkways shall be designated or constructed for the use
13 
of pedestrians, including the use of strollers and other children's mobility
14 
equipment. Walkways may also be shared with non-motorized vehicles and
15 
electric personal mobility devices, subject to the guidelines set by the LCDs and
16 
taking into account the safety of pedestrians.
17 
(c) Slow streets. To complement the network of bicycle lanes, LGUs shall
18 
create a designated network of people-oriented slow streets, which may be
19 
temporary or permanent, that will provide safe and convenient access and use
20 
of specific local roads. Speed limits, access on certain days or hours in the day
21 
by motorized vehicles in slow streets, or any combination of such measures
22 
shall be determined by the concerned LGU. Motor vehicles of residents, delivery
23 
and trash collection vehicles servicing the area of the slow streets, and
24 
emergency services shall have access to slow streets subject to restrictions to
25 
be imposed by the 
LGU.
26 
Slow streets shall be clearly marked with signage specifying the
27 
restrictions. LGUs shall identify priority areas for implementation within their
28 
jurisdiction. The DOTr and DPWH may provide assistance in the identification
29 
of slow streets.
30 
Sec. 5. Institutional Facilities Pathways Priority. - LGUs shall coordinate with
31 
public and private institutions within their jurisdiction, such as but not limited to
32 
healthcare facilities and institutions, schools, churches, and government offices, to


1 
establish bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets that can connect and provide safe
2 
access for the employees, customers and clients of such institutions as well as the
3 
general public, and to encourage the establishment of end-of-trip facilities within such
4 
institutions.
5 
LCDs shall also support the installation of end-of-trip facilities, such as bike
6 
parking and showers, within or near these institutions.
7 
Sec. 6. Traffic Rules and Regulations. - All users of non-motorized vehicles and
8 
electric personal mobility devices shall, as far as applicable, obey traffic signals, signs
9 
and markers, road pavement markings, right-of-way, and other traffic rules and
10 
regulations.
11 
The LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall
12 
issue guidelines for the safe use of bicycle lanes and the use of non-motorized vehicles
13 
and electric personal mobility devices.
14 
Sec. 7. Bicycie Racks and other End-of-Trip Facilities. - All public places,
15 
government offices, schools, places of work, mass transit and public utility vehicle
16 
terminals, and commercial establishments, including but not limited to malls, banks,
17 
and hospitals, shall provide, as far as practicable, secure bicycle or multi-use racks
18 
and other end-of-trip facilities, as needed.
19 
Sec. 8. Roie of Pubiic and Private Sectors. - Both the public and private sectors
20 
shall promote active transport as a sustainable and healthy means of transportation
21 
and develop the Safe Pathways Network as provided under Section 4 of this Act, by
22 
putting up the necessary infrastructure facilities and programs. Further, the said
23 
sectors shall also provide, as far as practicable, additional support, benefits, subsidies,
24 
and training that will promote active transport.
25 
LGUs shall incorporate the creation of the Safe Pathways Network and their
26 
corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.
27 
Sec. 9. Information and Education Campaign. - The DOTr, in coordination with
28 
other government agencies and the private sector, shall establish an information and
29 
education campaign on the importance of a shift to a sustainable and healthy mode
30 
of transportation, and the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network. The
31 
campaign shall be designed for all present and potential active transport users, traffic


1 
enforcers, motorists, non-motorized vehicle and electric personal mobility device
2 
users, the commuting public, and the community in general.
3 
Sec. 10. Design and Construction of Permanent Bicycie Lanes and Waikways. -
4 
Permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be designated or constructed with safety
5 
as the paramount concern. As much as practicable, permanent bicycle lanes and
6 
walkways shall be physically separated from the main road through physical barriers,
7 
or shall be elevated or otherwise constructed separately from the main road.
8 
In areas where the physical separation of bicycle lanes and walkways is not
9 
possible, the roads shall be adapted, as far as practicable, for shared use with active
10 
transport users. Painted road markers may also be used for roads with limited space.
11 
The DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr and LGUs, shall revise its manuals
12 
and guidelines for road design and construction to include non-motorized vehicles and
13 
electric personal mobility devices in the allocation of road space on national and local
14 
roads, and to promote the safety of active transport and electric personal mobility
15 
device users.
16 
Sec. 11. ReportoriaiRequirement - The DOTr shall submit an annual report to
17 
Congress on the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network for purposes of
18 
policy formulation and determining funding requirements. The report shall include
19 
relevant data such as the number of users of active transport and electric personal
20 
mobility devices, and mapping of the Safe Pathways Network in the country.
21 
To this end, LGUs shall submit to the DOTr the relevant information needed to
22 
formulate the report.
23 
Sec. 12. Sources of Funding. - The funds necessary for the implementation of
24 
this Act shall be sourced from the amounts set aside by LGUs for infrastructure projects
25 
within their jurisdiction, as well as from the appropriations of the DOTr and DPWH
26 
under the General Appropriations Act, and the Special Road Fund from the Motor
27 
Vehicle User's Charge as provided under Republic Act No. 8794, as amended.
28 
Sec. 13. Separabiiity Ciause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
29 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall
30 
remain in force and effect.


1 
Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
2 
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this
3 
Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
4 
Sec. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
5 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,