NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S.No. 19
DATE
BILLS
NDEX
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES AND 
SLOW STREETS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As pre-pandemic activities return after months of lockdowns and restrictions 
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing has become more difficult to 
implement as people are allowed to go out, return to onsite work and go back to face- 
to-face classes, visit commercial places, attend large-scale gatherings, and travel to 
other locations. Public transportation, which was already terribly congested prior to 
COVID-19, cannot accommodate physical distancing measures with the crowds of 
people that use them. During the Enhanced Community Quarantine, at the height of 
the pandemic, health workers and other essential workers were forced to explore other 
means of getting to and from their places of work due to the lack of public 
transportation options.
More recently, the global oil price hike has caused fuel prices to soar, and has 
disincentivized the use of private vehicles. Some jeepney drivers no longer want to ply 
their routes and are opting for other sources of income, as they cannot keep up with 
the fuel price surge.1 This can only negatively affect the country's public transport 
supply, already unable to keep up with demand especially in Metro Manila. As the 
Move as One Coalition states, "public transport supply is collapsing. More commuters
1 Ong, G. (2022, June 14). Fewer cars on EDSA as fuel prices soar - MMDA. 
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/06/14/2188169/fewer-cars-edsa-fuel-prices-soar-mmda


are experiencing long lines, waiting times, and crowded commutes in enclosed spaces, 
and are at-risk for COVID-19."2
The above premises make it imperative for the State to promote other modes 
of travel to avoid future spikes in COVID-19 cases and to accommodate the need for 
other modes of transportation that are not reliant on fuel.
To address these urgent needs, alternatives such as walking and biking must 
be promoted. Walking is free and the cost of buying and maintaining a bike is very 
low compared to owning a private vehicle and even commuting. They promote 
physical and mental health in a time of high anxiety, and physical distancing is easy 
to implement. Further, they use less resources and will raise air quality due to reduced 
motorized vehicle use, lessening air toxins which are a leading cause of respiratory 
infection.3 Other non-motorized vehicles also offer the same advantages.
The World Health Organization recognizes the benefits of walking and biking in 
its technical guidance on moving around during the pandemic, so people can "reach 
workplaces when possible, meet essential daily needs, or provide assistance to 
vulnerable people."4 Other countries have adopted these modes of travel long before 
the Philippines has, and have embraced them further during the pandemic — urban 
cycling networks surged in countries like China, Germany, Ireland, the United 
Kingdom, and the United States.5
2 Atienza, K.A. (2022). Public transport system on brink of 'collapse' due to high fuel prices.
https://www.bworldonline.eom/economy/2022/06/14/455032/public-transport-system-on-brink-of- 
collapse-due-to-high-fuel-prices/; Abante, Dayao, and Siy. (2022). Fighting Transport Inflation: ATen- 
Point 
Agenda 
(Move 
As 
One 
Policy 
Paper).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361268506_Fighting_Transport_Inflation_A_Ten- 
Point_Agenda_Move_As_One_Policy_Paper
3 "Air Pollution." World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 15 Aug. 2017, 
www.who.int/ceh/risks/cehair/en/
4 Harker, J. (2020, April 21). "Consider Bicycles" During Covid-19 Outbreak, says World Health 
Organisation. Retrieved from https://cyclingindustry.news/consider-bicycles-during-covid-19-outbreak- 
says-world-health- organisation/
5 Schwedhelm, A., Li, W., Harms, L., & Adriazola-Steil, C. (2020, April 23). Biking Provides a Critical 
Lifeline During the Coronavirus Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/blog/2020/04/coronavirus- 
biking-critical- in-cities


First filed in the 18th Congress by the undersigned as the Chairperson of the 
Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures 
Thinking, which was then approved on third reading in the Senate with amendments 
from then-Minority Leader Senator Franklin M. Drilon, this measure seeks to create a 
network of bicycle lanes and slow streets that are people-oriented and pedestrian- 
friendly, which shall connect users to essential destinations such as work, school, 
medical facilities, and other similar places that may be identified. This network may 
then be adopted permanently even after the pandemic, as may be appropriate, as a 
solution to congested roads, volatilities in oil prices, and the pollution plaguing the 
country even before the pandemic.6
This bill also recognizes the importance of slow streets in a community, which 
are designed to limit motorized vehicle use on certain local streets, as may be 
determined by the concerned local government units, and allow them to be used as a 
shared space for people traveling by foot, by bicycle, or by other non-motorized 
means.7
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is urgently sought.
PIA S. CAWANOi
6 Schwedhelm, A., Li, W., Harms, L., & Adriazola-Steil, C. (2020, April 23). Biking Provides a Critical 
Lifeline During the Coronavirus Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/blog/2020/04/coronavirus- 
biking-critical- in-cities.
7 Slow Streets Program, (n.d.). Retrieved from https.7/www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets- 
program.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 19
AvV' 0
DATE:
BILLS & INDEX
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES 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 'Safe Pathways
2 
Network 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 recognizes the urgent need to safeguard the public's health during
8 
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by promoting physical distancing. It acknowledges
9 
that the current transportation system compromises the safety of health workers,
10 
other essential workers, and commuters.
11 
The State also affirms the need for infrastructure and a change in mindset to
12 
encourage and accommodate sustainable and healthy modes of transportation such
13 
as walking, biking, and the use of other non-motorized vehicles and to provide safe
14 
and convenient pathways for commuters. It further acknowledges the need to
15 
provide a quick solution to mobility issues brought to light by this pandemic and that
16 
may arise again in other emergency situations.
17 
Prioritizing walking, biking, and the use of non-motorized vehicles will result in
18 
reduced carbon emissions, less use of energy and resources, as well as less


1 
dependence on oil, lightening the impact of oil price shocks. It will also provide
2 
multiple health benefits and increase quality of life.
3 
These are also in line with the State's commitment to the Sustainable
4 
Development Goals (SDGs), in particular: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being); SDG
5 
7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure);
6 
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG 13 (Climate Action); and SDG 17
7 
(Partnerships for the Goals).
8 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined
9 
as follows:
10 
a. Electric persona! mobility devices refer to any electric motorized device
11 
exclusively used for transporting an individual. This includes electric
12 
bicycles and electric kick scooters, excluding motorcycles, tricycles, and
13 
other similar modes of transport;
14 
b. Non-motorized vehicles refer to all forms of transportation that do not
15 
rely on an engine or motor for movement, including, but not limited to,
16 
bicycles and small wheeled non-motorized transport such as
17 
skateboards, push scooters, and handcarts; and
18 
c. Slow streets refer to local roads providing safe and convenient access
19 
to frequented destinations by restricting motor vehicle access, use, or
20 
speed limits on certain days or hours in the day, as may be determined
21 
by the concerned local government unit (LGU), and prioritizing access
22 
and use by pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicle users.
23 
Sec. 4. Safe Pathways Network. — Immediately upon the effectivity of this Act,
24 
the Safe Pathways Network shall be established for the use of non-motorized
25 
vehicles: Provided, That the use of electric personal mobility devices may be allowed
26 
subject to the guidelines set by the LGUs, in consultation with the Department of
27 
Transportation (DOTr).
28 
The Safe Pathways Network shall consist of the following:
29 
a. Bicycle lanes. LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the Department
30 
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and create a
31 
network of bicycle lanes, which may be temporary or permanent in
32 
nature. The temporary lanes alternatively known as pop-up lanes shall


1 
be set up, whenever possible, during the COVID-19 pandemic or
2 
whenever other emergency situations may arise: Provided, That along
3 
national roads in Metro Manila, the DOTr, in coordination with the Metro
4 
Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall be the lead implementing
5 
agency.
6 
Pop-up bicycle lanes may be marked with removable tapes and
7 
mobile signs, which can easily be placed and removed as necessary.
8 
Other physical barriers may also be used.
9 
The bicycle lanes shall, as much as practicable, directly connect
10 
users to essential destinations, such as medical facilities, public and
11 
private facilities frequented by people, schools, and other similar places
12 
that may be identified. Motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes
13 
of transport, whether powered by gas or electricity, are prohibited from
14 
using the bicycle lanes; and
15 
b. Slow streets. To complement the network of bicycle lanes, LCDs shall
16 
create a designated network of people-oriented slow streets, which may
17 
be temporary or permanent, along local roads that will provide
18 
pedestrians and non-motorized vehicle users safe and convenient
19 
access to frequented destinations. Speed limits and access on certain
20 
days or hours in the day by motorized vehicles in slow streets shall be
21 
determined by the concerned LGU. Motor vehicles of residents, delivery
22 
and trash collection vehicles servicing the area of the slow streets, and
23 
emergency services shall have access to slow streets subject to
24 
restrictions to be imposed by the LGU.
25 
Slow streets shall be clearly marked with signage specifying the
26 
restrictions. The DOTr and DPWH shall identify priority areas for
27 
implementation.
28 
Sec. 5. Health Facilities Loop. - LGUs shall coordinate with health facilities
29 
within their jurisdiction to establish pop-up bicycle lanes and slow streets that can
30 
connect and provide safe access for healthcare workers to hospitals and other health
31 
centers.
32 
Health facilities loops may be permanently adopted, as far as practicable.


1 
Sec. 6. Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations. - All users of non-motorized
2 
vehicles and electric personal mobility devices shall obey traffic laws, rules and
3 
regulations and shall be subject to existing penalties for violation.
4 
The LGUs, in consultation with DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall
5 
issue guidelines for the safe use of bicycle lanes and the use of non-motorized
6 
vehicles and electric personal mobility devices.
7 
Sec. 7. Bicycle Racks and other End-of-Trip Facilities. - All public places,
8 
government offices, schools, places of work, and commercial establishments,
9 
including but is not limited to malls, banks, and hospitals, shall provide, as far as
10 
practicable, bicycle or multi-use racks and other end-of-trip facilities, as needed.
11 
Sec. 8. Roie of Public and Private Sectors. - Both the public and private sectors
12 
shall promote walking and the use of bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles as a
13 
sustainable and healthy means of transportation. They shall develop the Safe
14 
Pathways Network by putting up the necessary infrastructure facilities and programs
15 
as provided by this Act. They shall also provide, as far as practicable, additional
16 
support, benefits, subsidies, and training that will promote walking, biking, and the
17 
use of other non-motorized vehicles.
18 
LGUs shall incorporate the creation of the Safe Pathways Network and their
19 
corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.
20 
Sec. 9. Information Campaign. - The DOTr, in coordination with other
21 
government agencies and the private sector, shall establish an information campaign
22 
on the importance of a shift to a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, and
23 
the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network. The program shall be
24 
designed for traffic enforcers, motorists, non-motorized vehicle and electric personal
25 
mobility device users, the commuting public, and the community in general.
26 
Sec. 10. Design and Construction of Permanent Bicycle Lanes. - The DPWH,
27 
in coordination with LGUs, shall revise its manuals and guidelines for road design and
28 
construction to include non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices
29 
in the allocation of road space on national and local roads, and to promote the safety
30 
of pedestrians and non-motorized vehicle and electric personal mobility device users.
31 
Permanent bicycle lanes shall be constructed with safety as the paramount concern.
32 
As much as practicable, permanent bicycle lanes shall be physically separated from


1 
the main road through physical barriers, or shall be elevated or otherwise constructed
2 
separately from the main road. Painted road markers may also be used for roads with
3 
limited space.
4 
Sec. 11. Sources of Funding. - The funds necessary for the implementation of
5 
this Act shall be sourced from the appropriations of the DOTr and DPWH under the
6 
General Appropriations Act and the Local Road Support Fund from the Motor Vehicle
7 
User's Charge as provided under Republic Act No. 8794, as amended.
8 
Sec. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
9 
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be
10 
affected thereby.
11 
Sec. 13. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and
12 
regulations, other issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
13 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
14 
Sec. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
15 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,