Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A 
SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS 
AND SLOW STREETS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In a 2023 survey an estimated 10 million households use bicycles for any activity; 
nationwide, an estimated 6.2 million households owned bicycles, putting the ratio of bicycle 
owners to car owners at 4:11. A separate study by places the percentage of households that do not
own cars at 94 percent2.
Despite this, bicycles as the main mode of transport among Filipinos remains less popular 
compared to private automobiles, with only 4.3 percent compared to 8 percent. Even with public 
transportation taken into consideration, private vehicles contribute to about 43 percent of the 
annual average daily traffic in Metro Manila in 20233.
While there is ample cognizance that the issue of road congestion especially in urban 
areas is multi-faceted and why private cars dominate, whether in their actual contribution to 
traffic or in how they indirectly shape infrastructure policy manifested in projects such as but not 
limited, to the widening of roads, construction of flyovers, it should not hinder efforts to change 
the status quo towards a more efficient transportation system.  
1https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208953#:~:text=SWS%20said%20there%20were%20more,compared%20to%20car%20owners%20nationwid 
  e. 
2https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/national-roads-should-serve-all-filipinos
3https://mmda.gov.ph/images/Home/FOI/Annual-Average-Daily-Traffic-AADT/AADT_2023.pdf 
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December 16, 2024
12:01 pm


This bill proposes the institutionalization of physical activity such as walking or cycling 
as a viable transport alternative by providing a framework that allows for the safe and effective 
use of pathways in contrast to the current disorganized and discretionary policies that cover 
them. As a result, a healthy and active lifestyle among its citizens is fostered. Moreover, through 
a transport system that becomes less dependent on motorized vehicles, we also reduce the 
country’s carbon footprint, abiding with our international commitments in relation to climate 
change.  
In view of the foregoing, the prompt passage of this bill is sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A 
SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS 
AND SLOW STREETS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Safe Pathways Network Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of 
the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in consonance with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature, and protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them. 
Towards this end, the State shall develop mechanisms that provide for safe and convenient 
pathways to encourage and accommodate healthy and sustainable alternative modes of mobility 
that include walking, biking, use of other non-motorized vehicles. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -As used in this Act: 
(a) "Active transport" refers to physical activity undertaken as a means of transport, such as
walking or cycling and the use of other non-motorized vehicles;
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(b) "Electric personal mobility devices" refer to any electric motorized device exclusively
used for transporting an individual, including electric bicycles and electric kick scooters
but excluding motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of transport;
(c) "End-of-trip facilities" refer to facilities that cater to active transport users' needs at their
destinations such as shower and changing rooms, short- and long-term bicycle parking,
bicycle repair stations, and lockers, among others;
(d) "Non-motorized vehicles" refer to all forms of transportation that do not rely on an
engine or motor for movement, including bicycles and small wheeled non-motorized
transport, such as skateboards, push scooters, and handcarts; and
(e) "Slow streets" refer to local roads providing safe and convenient access and use by
restricting motor vehicle access or setting speed limits on certain days or hours of 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. Safe Pathways Network. - Within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act, 
the safe pathways network shall be established for the use of active transport purposes. Electric 
personal mobility devices may be allowed along these pathways, subject to the guidelines set by 
the concerned LGUs, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). 
The safe pathways network consists of the following: 
(a) Bicycle lanes. - The LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and establish temporary or permanent
network of bicycle lanes. If establishment of permanent lanes are not feasible, the
temporary lanes, alternatively known as pop-up lanes, may be set up, whenever
necessary, including during emergency situations until permanent lanes are established.
Along national roads in Metro Manila, the DOTr, in coordination with the DPWH and
the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall set up the bicycle lanes.
Pop-up bicycle 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 
bicycle lanes shall directly connect to public and private facilities such as medical 
institutions, schools, retail stores, and other similar facilities. 
(b) Walkways. - The walkways shall be designated or constructed for the use of pedestrians,
including the use of strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices for children.


Walkways may also be shared with non- motorized vehicles and electric personal 
mobility devices, subject to the guidelines set by the concerned LGUs and taking into 
account the safety of pedestrians. 
 
(c) Slow streets. - To complement the network of bicycle lanes, the LGUs shall establish a 
designated network of temporary or permanent people-oriented slow streets that will 
provide safe and convenient access and use of specific local roads. Speed limits or 
limited access on certain days or hours in the day by motorized vehicles, or any 
combination of such measures shall be determined by the concerned LGU. Motor 
vehicles of residents, delivery and trash collection vehicles servicing the area of the slow 
streets, and motor vehicles for emergency services shall have access to slow streets, 
subject 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 implementation within their jurisdiction. The DOTr and DPWH 
may provide assistance in the identification of slow streets. 
 
SEC. 5. Institutional Facilities Pathways Priority. - The LGUs shall coordinate with public 
and private institutions within their jurisdiction for the establishment of bicycle lanes, walkways, 
slow streets, and end-of-trip facilities within such institutions. Twhe safety of healthcare workers 
and patients who use active transport to hospitals and other healthcare facilities must be taken 
into consideration in the establishment of bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets. 
 
SEC. 6. Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations. - All users of non- motorized vehicles and 
electric personal mobility devices shall observe existing traffic laws, rules and regulations and 
shall be subject to corresponding penalties in case of violation thereof. The LGUs, in 
consultation with DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall issue ordinances for the safe use of 
bicycle lanes and the use of non- motorized vehicles and electrical personal mobility devices.  
 
In metropolitan areas such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, their respective 
development 
authorities/coordinating 
bodies 
shall 
spearhead 
the 
coordination 
and 
implementation of these rules for the purpose of harmonizing regulations across the multiple 
local government units contained therein.    
 
SEC. 7. Bicycle Racks and other End-of-Trip Facilities. - All public places, government 
offices, schools, places of work, mass transit and public utility vehicle terminals, and commercial 
establishments, including malls, banks, and hospitals, must have, multi-use bicycle racks and 
other end-of-trip facilities, as needed. 
 


SEC. 8. Role of Public and Private Sectors. - 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, and 
provide, as far as practicable, additional support, benefits, subsidies, and training that promote 
active transport. LGUs shall incorporate the creation of the safe pathways network and their 
corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans. 
 
SEC. 9. Information and Education Campaign. - 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 enforcers, motorists, non- motorized vehicle 
and electric personal mobility device users, the commuting public, and the community in 
general. 
 
SEC. 10. Design and Construction of Permanent Bicycle Lanes and Walkways. - Permanent 
bicycle lanes and walkways shall be designed or constructed with safety as the paramount 
concern. As much as practicable, permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be physically 
separated from the main road through physical barriers, or shall be elevated or otherwise 
constructed separately from the main barriers, or shall be elevated or otherwise constructed 
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 coordination with the 
DOTr and LGUs, shall revise its manuals and guidelines for road design and construction to 
include non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices in the allocation of road 
space and to promote the safety of active transport and electric personal mobility device users. 
 
SEC. 11. Sources of Funding. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DOTr and DPWH 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. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary 
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
The amount necessary for the establishment and construction of safe pathways network under the 
jurisdiction of LGUs shall be charged against the twenty percent (20%) national tax allotment of 
LGUs earmarked for local development projects. 


 
SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
otherwise invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 13. 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. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,