Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4785

Introduced by: Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano

Explanatory Note

Under Sections 15 and 16, Article II on Declaration of Principles and State Policies of
the 1987 Constitution, it provides that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health
of the peopie and instil! health consciousness among them.” “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.”

It is to be stressed that the advantages of using @ bicycle as an altemative means of
wansport far outweigh the use of a motorized vehicle. Aside from its health and physical
rewards from exercise and relieving stress, the use of bicycle does not only consume fossil
fuels but will definitely decongest uaffic in the metropolis, However, not only proper
infrastructure is needed, but foremost is the framework that will implement the bicycle
Program that is vital for its successful implementation.

In this regard, this proposed legislation establishes a bikeway office, enumerating
therein the specific powers and mandate of the said office. It defines the duties and
obligations of the bicycle riders and certain restrictions imposed on them. It also includes a
Provision on infrastructure relative to the construction and maintenance of bicycle lanes.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly requested.

Ph
EMI CALIXTO-RUBIANO
Representative

Lone District of Pasay City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No__ 4785

Introduced by: Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano

AN ACT
DEFINING THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF BICYCLIST,
ESTABLISHING A LOCAL BIKEWAYS OFFICE,
PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE IN RELATION THERETO
AND PRESCRIBING PENALTLES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Section 1. Short title, ‘This Act shalt be known as the “Bicycle Act of 20117.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
them. 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

Section 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are
defined. thus

2. “Bicycle” refers to a two tandem wheeled vehicle propelled solely by human
power having a seat height of 25 inches or more when the seat is adjusted to its
lowest possibie position;

b. “Local Bikeways Office” refers to the administrative office created herein that
administers, regulates and implements rules in accordance with this Act. It is
under the administration and supervision of the local government unit concerned
particularly. the Office of the City or Municipal Engineer;

©. “Bicycle Riders” refers to the bicsclist : cyclist or the driver of the two wheeled
vehicle / bicycle; and

4. ~Bicvele Lane” means any longitudinal strip that is designated for the use and
passage of the bicycle


Section 4. Creation of a Bikeway Office, — Under the provisions of this Act. a Loca!
Bikeway Office (LBO) is hereby created under the administration and supervision of the
local government unit concerned particularly. the Office of the City or Municipal Engineer.
Provisions for bicycle lanes or the so-called “bikeways” shall be established in all main
thoroughfares, and roads to be identified by the said local bikeway office created under this
Act

Section 5. Powers and Functions of Local Bikeway Office (LBO). The Office of the
Local Bikeways shall have the following powers and functions

a. prepares plans, specifications. and manages construction of bikeway projects on
all thoroughfares. and soads covered within the jurisdiction of the said loca
government unit concerned:

b. responsible for project development. management, and/or implementation of =
bikeway project and roadmap in coordination with the Deparmem of Public
Works and Highways and other government agencies concerned:

¢. establishes parmerships with loca! or foreign organizations to carry out provisions
of this Act in facilitating an easy bicycle access and network;

4. conducts information drives in coordination with Department of Land
Transportation anc Communication on the advantages of using bicycles;

@. causes the registration of all bicycles operating within the bikeways and
determines the manner of registration therein; and

f establishes and maintain a bicycle registry or database relative to its mandate of
crafting @ manual and a system of operational procedures

Seetion 6. Duties and Obligations of Bicycle Riders. Bicycle Riders shall have the
foliowing duties and obligations:

a. Every person riding a bievcie on a bikeway is granted all the rights and subject to
aj] of the duties of the motor vehicle driver except those that by its nature are not
applicable:

b. Cyclist can tide on any road or street designated as a bikeway except on highways
and/or where signs prohibit them from using their bicycles;

¢, Cyclist when riding at night shall equip their bicycles with reflective material
visible from both sides. a whine front headlight and a ted rear reflective light:

Cyclist shall see to it that their bicycle must have brakes capable of making the
bike stop on dry. clean. and level pavement when applied by the cyclist: and



e. Cyclist while riding must always wear appropriate heimet with the chin strap
firmly fastened; and

£. Cyclist shall use appropriate hand and arm signals mentioned in Section & herein.

Section 7. Restrictions on Bicycle Riders. The following restrictions are imposed on
bicycle riders:

a. Cyclist may not ride anywhere other than upon the actual bicycle seat:

». Cyclist shail not carry in their bicycle more persons than it is designed and
equipped to carry:

Cyclist shall not carry any package, bundle. or articie that prevents the
bicyclist from keeping both hands on the handle bars unless said package or
article is in a basket. rack or trailer designed for the purpose; and

4. Cyclist shall see to it that his/her bicycle shall be parked only on specifically
designated parking areas for bicycles and no person shall leave a bicycle lying on
its side on any sidewalk. or shat] park a bicvcle on a sidewalk in any other
position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.

Section 8. Hand and Arm Signals. Appropriate hand and arm signals shall be given
in the following manner:

a. Left tam - hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicyele.
b. Right tum - left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bie
or right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle

¢. Stop or sudden decrease of speed signal - left hand and arm extended
downward beyond the side of the bicycle

Section 9. Establishment of Bicycle Parks. Cities and Municipalities shall establish
in their respective jurisdiction a bicycle park limited to the enjoyment and use of bicycies, for
its parking areas and other similarly related activities

Seetion 10. Use of Bicycle Lanes. Any person operating a bicycle shall obex traffic
regulations, signs and other contro! devices applicable to vehicles, unless directed otherwise
by a police officer. The rider or user of the bicycle shall operate his/her bicycle only upon a
signated bikeway tane and shall remain inside said lane exercising utmost due care and

ence.

Section 11. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provisions of this Act shall be
penalized with a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (PhP],000.00) but not more than
Two Thousand Pesos (PhP2,000.00), In case of violation therein causes damage to property
and or injury to persons, the pertinent provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and the
Revised Penal Code shall be applicable.


ek.

Section 12. Implementing Rules. One month after the enactment of this Aci. the
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Land Transportation Office
(LTO), the League of Cities and/or Municipalities in consultation with concerned Non-
Government Organizations and People’s Organizations shal] promulgate the implementing
rules and regulations (IRR) for the effective impiememtation of this Act.

Section 13. Separabitiy Clause. — \f 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 14, Repeating Clause. — Any jaw, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with. the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly

Section 15. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afier its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved.