Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Ri3gular Session
`   HouseBi||No.9180
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO,
|0CELYN P. TULFO, ERWIN T. TULFO, EDVIC G. YAP, AND ERIC G0 YAP
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE
PATIIWAYS NETWORK 0F BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS, AND SLOW STREETS,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article  11  of  the  1987  Constitution  provides  the  State  policies  concerning  every
Filipino's rights to health and a balanced and healthful ecology, to wit, respectively:
``Sccf!.o7i 15.  The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instin health consciousness among them
Sccfro"  16.  The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to  a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature.,,
FollowingthereleaseoftheGlobalStatusReportonPhysicalActivity2022,1theWorld
Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) apprised the public of the negative
health implications and economic burden of physical inactivity. The report found that 81 % of
adolescents and 2.75% of adults worldwide did not meet the VVHO's recommended levels of
physical activity.
WHO  likewise  nraintained  that,  aside  from  the  extra  healthcare  costs  physical
inactivity may entail, it contributes to missed opportunities for children and adults to have
better  health,  and  the  increasing  burden  of  morbidity  and  mortality  that  results  from
noncommunicable diseases.2 The United Nations International Children' s Emergency Fund
(UNICEF)  even  projected  that,  by  2030,  more  than  30%  of  Fihpino  adolescents  will be
overweight and obese.3
1 T7ce Gjob¢j Stofros Rcporf o7t pkys!.c#Z ac fr.t#.fry 2022. World Health Organization. Available at:
https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/physical~activity/global-status-report-on-
physical-activity-2022 (Accessed: 30 August 2023).
2Id.
3 £z7e7']/holy #ceds fo ¢cf fo cwrz7 obest.fy. UNICEF. Available at:
https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/everybody-needs-acteurb~obesity
(Accessed: 30 August 2023).


By engaging in low impact joint-friendly physical activities like walking and biking,
we can also significantly contribute to reducing the effects of climate change by cutting down
greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air pollution and the demand for fossil fuels, promoting
sustainable behaviors, and enhancing community resilience.
In  view  of  fulfilling  our  constitutional  mandate  and  in  playing  a  part  in  the
achievement  of  Sustainable  Development  Goals  in  relation  to  health  and  sustainable
communities, this bill ains to promote active transport by establishing a Safe Pathways
Network, consisting of bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets.
Other key features of this bill include the prioritization of the safe accessibility of
institutional fachities, the issuance of traffic rules and regulations for non-motorized vehicles
and electric personal mobility devices, and the mandatory installment and construction of
bicycle/multi-use racks and practical end-of-trip facilities in public places and thoroughfares,
and goverrment offices.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passing of this bill is earnestly sought.
•z%#z+l
RALPH l^7ENDEL
Rapresent,
2nd District Of
EDV
uezon C
ACT-CIS Partyhst
ACT-CIS Partytist
Rxpresentative
Lone District of Benguet


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second RIgular Session
A    HouseBi||No.9l§0
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO,
]OCELYN P. TULFO, ERWIN T. TULFO, EDVIC G. YAP, AND ERIC G0 YAP
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE
PATIIWAYS NETWORK 0F BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS AND SLOW STREETS,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House Of Rapresentatives of the Pldippines in Congress assendled:
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
SEcrloN  1.  Short  Tz.fzc.  -  This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  ``Walkable  and  Bikeable
Corrmurities Act''.
SEC. 2. Decharflf..o# a/ PoJ..qy ¢#d Ob/iecfrocs.  - 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, to protect and promote the right to health of
the people, and to instill health consciousness among them.
Prioritizing  active  transport  will  result  in  reduced  carbon  emissions,  reduced  road
congestion, decreased use of energy and resources as well as dependence on oil - lightening
the impact of oil price shods. It wall also provide multiple health benefits and enhance the
quality of Ire of the people.
These are also in line with the State's commitment to the Sustairrable Development Goals
(SDGs),  particularly SDG  3  (Good  Health  and  Well-Being);  SDG  7  (Affordable  and  Clean
Energy); SGD 9  (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure); Sue 11  (Sustainable Cities and
Communities); Sue 13 (Climate Action); and Sue 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
3


SEC. 3. Dc/..#!.I..o" a/ Tenus. - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined as follows:
(a)   Actr.zje fro#aporf refers to physical activity undertaken as a means of transport, such as
walking or cycling and the use of other non-motorized vehicles;
Q)   £fecfroc persormz inch.Ji.fy dr.cos refer to any electric motorized device exclusively used
for transporting an individual. This indudes electric bicycles and electric kick scooters,
and excludes motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of transport;
(c)    £#dr/-fro.p ¢.J!.dos refer to facilities that cater to active transport users' needs at their
destinations, which may include shower and changing rooms, short- and long-term
bicycle parking, bicycle repair stations, and lockers, among others;
(d)   NOH-7reofori.Zed treJi!.czes refer to all forms of transportation that do not rely on an engine
or motor for movement, including - but not limited to - bicycles and small-wheeled
non-motorized trarisport, such as skateboards, push scooters, and handcarts; and
(e)    SJour  sfroefs  refer  to  local  roads  providing  safe  and  convenient access  and  use  by
restricthg motor vehicle access, use, or speed limits on certain days or hours in the day,
or any combination of such measures as may be determined by the concerned local
government unit (LGU), and prioritizing access and use by pedestrians, cyclists, and
other non-motorized vehicle users.
SEC.4.Sfl/ePfl*J!zo¢ysNefztJorfu-Withintwelve(12)monthsfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,
the Safe Pathways Network shall be established for the use of active transport: P"out.did, That
the use of electric personal mobility devices may be allowed sutryect to the guidelines set by the
LGUs, in consultation with the  Department of Transportation (DOTr). The Safe Pathways
Network shall consist of the following:
(a)  Bi.eycfe hares. LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the Department of Pubhc Works
and Highways (DPwxp, shall identify and create a network of bicycle lanes, which may
be temporary or permanent in nature. The temporary lanes, altematively known as pop-
up lanes, shall be set up, whenever necessary, including during emergency situations:
4


P7iou!.did, That along national roads in Metropohtan Manila, the DOTr, in coordination
with the DPWH and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall be the
lead implementing ageney.
Pop-up bicycle lanes may be marked with removable tapes and mobile signs, which can
easily be placed and removed as necessary. Cmer physical barriers may also be used.
The  bicycle  lanes  shall,  as  much  as  possible,  directly  connect  users  to  essential
destinations,suchasmedicalfacilities,pubhicandprivatefacilitiesfrequentedbypeople,
schools, and other sindlar places that may be identified. Motorcycles, tricycles, and other
similar  modes  of  transportation,  whether  powered by  fossil  fuel  or  electricity,  are
prohibited from using the bicycle lanes unless otherwise designed for sharing with such
modes of transport.
a)  W&Zketiq/s.  Walkways  shall be  designated  or  constructed  for  the  use  of pedestrians,
including the use of stroners and other children's mobhity equipment. Walkways may
also be  shared with non-motorized  vehicles  and  electric personal mobhity  devices,
sutryect  to  the  guidelines  set  by  the  LGUs  and  taking  into  account  the  safety  of
pedestrians.
(c)  Szoav sfreefs. To complement the network of bicycle lanes, LGUs shall create a designated
network of peopleroriented slow streets, which may be temporary or permanent, that
will provide safe and convenient access and use of specific local roads. Speed limits,
access on certain days or hours in the day by motorized vehicles in slow streets, or any
combination  of  such  measures  shall be  determined  by  the  concerned  LGU.  Motor
vehicles of residents, delivery vehicles, and trash collection vehicles servicing the area of
the slow streets, and emergency services shall have access to slow streets sutyect to
restrictions to be imposed by the LGU.
Slow streets shall be clearly marked with signage specifying the restrictions. LGUs shall
identify priority areas for inplementation within their jurisdiction.  The  roTr  and
DPWH may provide assistance in the identification of slow streets.
5


SEC. 5. Jusfj.fuffo"Z F¢cI.Ji.ffes P¢fJ!zoflys Pn.o~.fry. - LGUs shall coordinate with pubhc and
private institutions within their jurisdiction frequented by the pubhic, such as but not hated to
healthcare facilities and institutions, schools, churches, and government offices, to establish
bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets that can connect and provide safe access for the
employees, customers, and clients of such institutions as well as the general public, and to
encourage the estabHshment of endcof-trip facilities within such institutions.
Special attention shall be given towards the safety of healthcare workers and patients who
use active transport to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
SEC. 6. Trtz#i.c R#!es ¢#d Regrhaft.o#s. - All users of non~motorized vehicles and electric
personal mobility devices shall, as far as applicable, obey traffic signals, signs, and markers;
road pavement markings; rightof-way; and other traffic ndes and regulations.
The  LGUs,  in consultation with the  lroTr  and  other  appropriate  agencies,  shall issue
guidelines for the safe use of bicycle lanes and the use of non~motorized vehicles and electric
personal mobility devices.
SEC. 7. Bieycle Racks and Other End-ofrTrip Facilities. - All pubhLc phaes, gore:rr\rnent
offices,  schools,  places  of  work,  mass  transit  and  public  utility  vehicle  temrinals,  and
commercial establishments, including but not limited to malls, banks,  and hospitals,  shall
provide, as far as practicable, secure bicycle or multi-use racks and other endcof-trip facilities,
as needed.
SEC. 8. ROJc a/ P#bJi.c and PH.t7¢fe Sccfors.  - Both the public and private sectors shall
promote active transport as a sustainable and healthy means of transportation and develop the
Safe Pathways Network, as provided under Section 4 of this Act, by putting up the necessary
infrastructure facilities and programs. Further, the said sectors shall also provide, as far as
practicable,  additional  support,  benefits,  subsidies,  and  training  that  will  promote  active
transport.
LGUs shall incorporate the creation Of the Safe Pathways Network and their corresponding
infrastructure in their local development plans.
6


SEC. 9. J#/o##¢fro# ¢#d fd#cafi.o# C¢owpfl{.g:i¢. - The DOTr, in coordination with other
government agencies and the private sector, shall establish an information and education
campaign on the importance of a shift to a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, and
the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network. The campaign shall be designed for
all present and  potential  active  transport users,  traffic  enforces,  motorists,  non-motorized
vehiclesandelectricpersonalmobilitydeviceusers,thecommutingpubfic,andthecommunrty
in general.
SBC.ro.DesignandcoustructionofpermanentBieycleLanesandwatkevays.-Pe:r][][\a]nerm+
bicycle lanes and walkways shall be designated or constructed with safety as the paramount
concern. As much as practicable, permanent bieycle lanes and walkways shall be physically
separatedfromthemainroadthroughphysicalbarriersorbeelevatedorotherwiseconstructed
separately from the main road.
in areas where the physical separation of bicycle lanes and walkways is not possible, the
roads shall be adapted, as far as practicable, for shared use with active transport users. Painted
road markers may also be used for roads with limited space.
The  DPWH,  in  coordirLation  with  the  DOTr  and  LGUs,  shall  revise  its  manuals  and
guidelines for road design and construction to include non-motorized vehicles and electric
personal mobhity devices in the allocation of road space on national and local roads, and to
promote the safety of active transport and electric personal mobility device users.
SEC.11.RaporfoH.flJRap#t.rei„enf.-TheDOTrshallsubmitanannualreporttoCongresson
the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network for purposes of pchcy formulation
and determining funding requirements. The report shall include relevant data, such as the
number of users of active transport and electric personal mobhity devices, and mapping of the
Safe Pathways Network in the country.
To this end, LGUs shall submit to the cOTr the relevant information needed to formulate
the report.
7


SEC. 12. So#rces a/F#"dc.#g. - The funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall
be  sourced  from  the  amounts  set  aside  by  LGUs  for  infrastructure  projects  within  their
jurisdiction, as well as from the appropriations of the DOTr and DPWII under the General
Appropriations Act, and the Special Road Fund from the Motor Vehicle User's Charge as
provided under Republic Act No. 8794, as amended.
SEC. 13. Scpr#flbl.J!.ty Cha«ae. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
otherwiseinvalid,thevalidityoftheotherprovisionsshallnotbeaffectedthereby.
SEC. 14. RapcflJ..#g Cha#sc. - 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. 15. £#ecfi.zJ..fry. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
8