Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6841

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE MARIA LAARNI L. CAYETANO

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary to rethink the way
we live. It has highlighted gaps in our society that have long been seeking our attention. One
of those gaps is transportation.

Ina 2015 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the then
Department of Transportation and Communications, itis stated that, in Metro Manila and its
surrounding provinces, only 11.5% of households are car owners. This goes to show that
majority of the population are reliant on public transportation. Hence, when the enhanced
community quarantine halted the operations of all forms of public transportation, this
resulted in a struggle for frontliners and all Filipinos who needed to go to work, to the
grocery stores, to the hospitals or other places they needed to be. This has also led us to the
realization that our current public transport options are insufficient to address the needs of
our citizens.

‘As we prepare for our new normal, it becomes necessary to consider alternative
modes of transportation which are efficient, safe and convenient. With this bill, we hope to
make the use of bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles a better option by providing users
with their own special lanes, away from larger vehicles. Not only will this help citizens
comply with social distancing protocols, it also helps the environment by reducing carbon
emissions and improves the general health condition of users.

We strongly recommend the passing of this bill to make transportation safer and
more accessible for all Filipinos.

MARIA NIL. CAYETANO
Representative
24 District of Taguig-Pateros


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6841

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE MARIA LAARNI L. CAYETANO

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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

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 (IATF) Resolution No.
15, 24 March 2020,


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.

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.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 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 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.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 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,