Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR BICYCLE RIGHTS, CREATION OF LOCAL BIKEWAYS OFFICE 
(LBO), ESTABLISHING INFRASTRUCTURE IN RELATION THERETO AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Around the world, COVID-19 brought about a dramatic increase in bicycle sales and 
use in response to lockdowns and transportation restrictions due to the pandemic. More 
and more people have been using one of the most basic forms of mobility, with the 
pandemic producing more bikers on their way to their destinations. 
According to the National Economic and Development Authority, bicycle imports saw 
a 112% increase to 2.1 million in 2020, compared with about 1 million units shipped to 
the country in 20191. 
Bicycles are also now considered as an alternative mode of transportation in the new 
normal. 
1 Simeon, L. “Bike imports double to 2.1 million amid pandemic.” The Philippine Star. 9 March 2021. 
https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/03/09/2082903/bike-imports-double-21-million-amid-
pandemic#:~:text=in%20the%20country.-
,Citing%20data%20from%20the%20Bureau%20of%20Customs%2C%20the%20National%20Economic,into%20the%
20country%20last%20year. 
August 3, 2022
1:33 pm
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The development of the bicycle occurred over a period of around seventy years and yet, 
throughout that period, cyclists had no legal right to use the roads or walkways.  The 
first Bicycle Law was enacted by the New York State Legislature in 1887 entitled, “An 
Act in relation to the use of bicycles and tricycles”2.  As the years went on, simultaneous 
with the growing popularity of the bicycle, several American states followed suit and 
enacted their own bicycle related ordinances aiming to give cyclists equal rights, 
privileges and duties with respect to road usage.  In 1968, the cyclists’ right to the road 
was enshrined in international law with the enactment of the Vienna Convention on 
Road Traffic.  
In 1968, the United Nations Economic and Social Council held a conference in Vienna to 
update international standards for road traffic rules. The resulting treaty was the 
Vienna Convention on Road Traffic which requires all signatory countries to comply 
with the set standards. 
The Philippines was among the nations that signed the treaty in 1968, its provisions 
were made part of the laws of the land by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 207 in 1973, 
and it came into force in 1977. 
As a contracting party, the Philippines is obligated to give bicycles equal and safe access 
to the road. Which means when cyclists say ‘Share the road,’ we are not asking; but 
rather reminding other road users of our right to the road. 
In the Philippines, one of the first laws related to bicycle use was enacted by the 
Marikina City Council in 1996 which dwells on the use of all streets, avenues, alleys, 
sidewalks, bridges, parks, and other public places as bicycle lanes3.  In 2001, another 
ordinance from the same city created a Bikeways Office tasked to create, supervise and 
manage bikeways in the city.  Recently, another bicycle ordinance was approved on 
second reading in the City of Davao.   
It is no wonder that different cities and municipalities are following the bicycle law 
model which Marikina has pioneered.  Bicycle riding not only promotes health and 
leisure but also provides for an alternative solution to unabated increase in fuel prices, 
increasing transport fares, traffic management, air and noise pollution and high cost of 
motorized vehicles, including maintenance and parking fees.    
Accordingly, there are a number of bike-friendly cities in the country:  Iloilo City, 
Marikina, Cebu City, Vigan and Pasig4. And that some are ‘bucket-list worthy places to 
bike’ in Luzon: Corregidor, Bataan, Rizal, Marinduque, Mt. Pinatubo, the town of 
2 New York Law 1887, Chapter 704, An Act in Relation to the Use of Bicycles and Tricycles 
3 “Marikina to establish bicycle lanes”, Philippine Star, May 26, 2001 
4 Ridena.com, Top 5 Bike-Friendly Cities in the Philippines 


General Nakar in Quezon, Mayon Volcano Natural Park, Cordillera Autonomous 
Region,  Sagada and Batanes5.  
In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations, 87% of Filipinos said they prefer 
bicycles and public transportation to be given priority over private vehicles on roads in 
cities or municipalities6. 
With bikes becoming more in-demand and physical distancing dictating social norms, a 
policy on bicycle and cyclists should now figure prominently in the government’s 
current and post-pandemic planning. This bill also ensures that bike lane networks and 
other end-of-trip facilities will be integrated in future infrastructure projects across the 
Philippines. 
This bill is originally filed by former Senate President Manny Villar and is being 
presented again for public discussion. 
This legislation seeks to provide a framework for a bicycle law on a national level so 
that Filipino commuters may find a cheaper alternative to get to their destination while 
saving the environment from harmful emissions.  Thus, the passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought.  
 CAMILLE A. VILLAR 
5 Traveling-up.com, 10 Great Biking Destinations in Luzon 
6 Marquez, C. “87% of Filipinos want gov’t priority on public transport, bikes over private vehicles.” 30 Jan. 2021. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1389930/87-of-filipinos-want-govt-priority-on-public-
transport-bikes-over-private-vehicles 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR BICYCLE RIGHTS, CREATION OF LOCAL BIKEWAYS OFFICE 
(LBO), ESTABLISHING INFRASTRUCTURE IN RELATION THERETO 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 "Bicycle Act of 2022." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them 
and to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology 
in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
Likewise, in view of the fluctuating fuel prices in the world market, the State 
recognizes the need for cheap alternative means of transportation and encourages the 
use of non-motorized and environment friendly modes of transport.   
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, the term: 
(A) “Bicycle” means any two wheeled vehicle having a rear drive which is solely
human powered and having a seat height of 25 inches or greater when the
seat is in the lowest possible position;
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(B) "Local Bikeways Office (LBO)" refers to the agency in charge of implementing 
policies, rules and regulations pertinent to this Act;  
 
(C) “Cyclist” shall refer to drivers of bicycles; 
 
(D) “Department” shall refer to the Department of Public Works and Highways; 
 
(E) “Driver” means any person who drives a vehicle, motorized or non-
motorized;  
 
(F) "Lane” means any longitudinal strips designated for passage of bicycles; 
 
(G)"Non-Motorized Transport (NMT)" means any vehicle which does not use a 
motorized engine; 
  
(H) "Road" means the entire surface of any way or street open to public traffic; 
 
SECTION 4. Creation of Bikeways. – All main roads and highways shall be 
provided with Bicycle Lanes or “bikeways” identified by the Local Bikeways Office 
under the supervision of the city or municipal engineering office. 
 
SECTION 5. Powers and Functions of the Local Bikeways Office. – The LBO shall be 
an adjunct of the city or municipal engineering office and shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
a. To manage the construction and maintenance of a bikeway network 
including the identification of a bikeway roadmap; 
 
b. To establish provision of safe and strategic parking facilities, road 
signages and maps, including the planting of trees in designated areas 
of the network; 
 
c. To encourage partnership with local and foreign organizations to 
facilitate easy access to bicycles; 
 
d. To conduct education and information drives on the benefits of using 
bicycles or NMTs in order to promote the usage of the same; 
 
e. To cause all bicycles operating on the bikeways to be registered and 
determine therefore the manner of such registration; 
 


f. To maintain and keep a bicycle registry where the LBO, within sixty 
(60) days from the approval of this Act, shall have formulated a system 
of procedure pertinent to bicycle registration.  
 
SECTION 6. Bicycle Park. – Each city or municipality shall create, through the 
LBO and the city or municipal engineering office, a Bicycle Park where provisions for 
bicycles are present such as but not limited to bikeways, bicycle parking areas and 
similar infrastructure.  Such Bicycle Parks shall be funded by the city or municipality by 
allocating thirty percent (30%) of their respective revenues raised from miscellaneous 
activities like parking and license fees.  
 
SECTION 7. Rights, Duties and Obligations of Cyclists. – The following shall be the 
rights, duties and obligations of cyclists: 
 
a. Ride on any public road or street provided that it has been designated 
as a bikeway except highways or where signs specifically prohibiting 
bikes have been posted; 
 
b. Every person riding a bicycle on the designated bikeways shall be 
granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to 
drivers of motorized vehicles except those which by their nature are 
inapplicable; 
 
c. A trailer or semitrailer may be attached to the bicycle; 
 
d. Right and left turn signals shall be given not less than 100 feet from 
turn and while stopped waiting to turn.  Such signals may be given 
intermittently rather than continuously if the hand giving the signal is 
needed to control the bicycle; 
 
e. An audible signal shall be given before overtaking; 
 
f. When riding at night, a bicycle shall be equipped with reflective 
material visible from both sides for at least six hundred (600) feet, or a 
lighted lamp visible from both sides for at least five hundred (500) feet 
from a motor vehicle; 
 
g. A bicycle and its corresponding cyclist may be equipped with 
additional lights and reflectors; 
h. A cyclist shall keep one hand on the handlebar at all times; 
 
i. A cyclist must always wear a helmet properly where the chin strap is 
securely fastened; 


 
j. Every bicycle shall be equipped with brakes that are capable of 
stopping the bicycle within twenty-five (25) feet from a speed of 
10mph on dry, clean level pavement; 
 
 
SECTION 8. Restrictions. – The following are restrictions imposed upon cyclists 
and the right to use a bicycle: 
 
a. No bicycle shall carry more persons that it was designed to carry 
except when another regular seat or trailer towed by the bicycle is 
present; 
 
b. Persons riding a bicycle shall not cling to another vehicle while in the 
designated bikeway; 
 
c. Bicycles may not be parked in areas other than those specifically 
designated as such by the CBO; 
 
d. A cyclist shall not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk; 
 
e. A cyclist shall not carry anything on the bicycle unless it is in a basket, 
bag, rack or trailer designed for that purpose; 
 
f. A modified bicycle is not allowed on the bikeways, or that which 
makes the hands higher than the shoulders when gripping the 
handlebars; 
 
g. Ownership or custody of a bicycle which has a destroyed, removed, 
altered, covered or defaced serial number; 
 
h. No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable 
and prudent under the conditions then existing. 
 
SECTION 9. Obedience to Traffic Laws and Devices. – Any person operating a 
bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signs, and other control 
devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.  Whenever 
authorized signs are posted, a person operating a bicycle shall not disobey the direction 
of such sign except when that person dismounts from the bicycle, in which case such 
person shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians.  No person shall ride 
or operate a bicycle in any direction except that permitted for vehicular traffic traveling 
on the same side of the bikeway. 
 


SECTION 10. Flagging By a Police Officer. - A uniformed police officer, or any 
deputized traffic officer, may stop, inspect and test a bicycle that is suspected to be 
unsafe or to have improper equipment. He may also stop any cyclist operating the 
bicycle in such a manner as to pose danger to others. 
 
SECTION 11. Riding on Bicycle Lanes. Every person operating a bicycle upon a 
designated bikeway lane shall remain inside such lane, exercising due care when 
passing a standing vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.  When a 
person operating a bicycle upon a bikeway at a speed less than the normal speed of 
traffic, such person may move out of the lane under any of the following circumstances: 
 
a. Whenever overtaking or passing another bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian 
within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking or passing 
cannot be done safely within the lane; 
 
b. When preparing for a turn at an intersection or into a private road or 
driveway; 
 
c. When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or 
hazardous conditions.   
 
SECTION 12. Yielding Right-of-Way From Bicycle Paths to Sidewalks. – Every 
person riding a bicycle on a bikeway that is about to enter or cross a roadway shall 
yield the right-of-way to all traffic on such roadway.  
 
SECTION 13. Motor Vehicles In Bikeways. – Whenever a bikeway has been 
established on a road, any person operating a motor vehicle on such road shall not 
drive in the bikeway except to park when parking is permitted, to enter or leave the 
road or prepare for a turn.  
 
SECTION 14. Exercise of Due Care. – Every cyclist shall exercise due care to avoid 
colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device 
propelled by human or animal power, upon any road, and shall give warning by 
sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precautions upon 
observing any child or any incapacitated person upon a road.   
 
SECTION 15. Bicycle Lane Network to Link Cities and Municipalities.  The 
Departments of Transportation, Public Works and Highways, Interior and Local 
Government,  Metro Manila Development Authority and the local government units 
shall plan and construct an interconnecting bicycle lane network to link cities and 
municipalities and pursue similar approaches towards a sustainable and low carbon 
emission transport system. 
 


SECTION 16. Penalties. – Any person who violates any of the provisions of this 
Act shall be subject to the penalty of a fine of not less than Five Hundred Pesos 
(P500.00) but not more than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00).  If such violation causes 
damage or injury to persons or property then the appropriate provisions of the Civil 
Code and the Revised Penal Code shall take effect.  
 
SECTION 17. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected 
shall remain valid and subsisting. 
 
SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to 
or is inconsistent  with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or 
amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 19. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,