Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6856

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE
ROLANDO M. VALERIANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The advent of the coronavirus pandemic caused the temporary cessation
of businesses, services and establishments. With it was the closure of the
entire nation’s public transportation system.

After almost three months, the country can no longer afford to incur
economic loss. The Extended Community Quarantine was lifted in favor of
the Modified ECQ. Thus, since May 16, 2020, the Government allowed
certain industries to operate and resume transactions.

However, public transportation remained suspended. This is primarily
because commuting in mass transportation poses one of the biggest risk of
contracting the deadly disease. Workers are left to look for their own means
to travel. The use of bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles have become
the most efficient and convenient means of transportation.

As early as 2014, Metro Manila has already established bicycle lanes.
However, these routes are only few in coverage. Also, they are not
interconnected with one another. And, they are too narrow and unprepared to
accommodate the expected influx of the multitude of new bike riders. In sum,
these bicycle lanes and pathways are far from being safe.

For example, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority (MMDA), there are bicycle lanes that span only one or two
kilometers long. There is one from Ortigas to Santolan that spans only 2.105
kilometers. Another is the one along EDSA which is merely stretching 1-
kilometer from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue in Makati City. These lanes are
remarkably short and does not effectively cover adequate distances.

Other than these two bike lanes, there are only very few. These are the
3.15-kilometer bike lane in Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila; 9.14-
kilometer bike lane along Marcos Highway from Evangelista Street to
Sumulong Highway in Marikina City; and, 2.92-kilometer bike lane along
Commonwealth Avenue from University Avenue to Tandang Sora in Quezon
City.


It should be noted that from March 15 to May 13, 2020 alone, MMDA
recorded 420 road accidents within the Metro. It is clear that Metro Manila is
not the safest place for bicycles.

With the expected explosive growth of bicycle commute in the country
in the outbreak of the pandemic, there is an urgent need to create safe and new
bicycle lanes and pathways.

This bill aims to create, interconnect and integrate bike lanes and
emergency pathways to a bigger and expanded networks of pedestrian-
friendly lanes. It will reinforce and support the already limited modes of
transportation and mobility during the COVID-19 crisis. It will secure safe
pathways for cycling providing designated spaces for cycling and protective
barriers from careless drivers of motor vehicles.

We now recognize that bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles will
form an integral part of transportation during the course of the COVID-19
pandemic. This is part of the new normal and will become a major alternative
way to travel around the city to work and avail essential needs.

Furthermore, in the long run, this bill will initiate further solution to the
congested traffic and air pollution within Metro Manila. It will usher a cost-
effective, clean and healthy new lifestyle for the Filipino. It would hopefully
bring about the beginning of the bike culture in the Philippines. This would
make our metro cities comparable to bike friendly cities in Asia like Kyoto
and Osaka in Japan, Beijing in China, Kaohsiung in Taiwan, Singapore and
Jeju in South Korea.

For the foregoing reasons, the immediate passage of this proposed

measure is earnestly urged.
2CQ: bine

ROLANDO M. VALERIANO
Representative


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _6856

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE
ROLANDO M. VALERIANO

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 House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:


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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 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 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 frontliners and essential workers for so

long as there is reduced mobility.

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


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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 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).

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.
Prominent road signs marking and identifying these bicycle lanes shall be

placed in conspicuous areas.


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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.

See. 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.

See. 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


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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 LGUs as needed. Thereafter, funding shall be included in
the budget of the DOTr and DPWH under the annual General Appropriations
Act.

See. 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.

See. 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.