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Republic of the Philippi fs
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS SSNDEXEY
First Regular Session

HOUSE Bit No. 6909

Introduced by HON. JESUS “BONG” C. SUNTAY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the looming threat of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the
Philippines faces a challenge not only in the health sector but also in the economic,
business, and transportation sector, among others. Though the government has beer
quick to provide assistance to Filipinos through relief packages and the Social
Amelioration Program, additional measures are needed to help our people in
Providing for their daily subsistence. As we shift to the new normal and slowly open
‘our economy, supplementary and innovative measures must be implemented.

In preparation for the easing of quarantine restrictions and opening of
essential work and businesses, it is necessary to address the problem of
transportation. Certain modes of mass transportation may not be able to meet the
demand for safe commute of passengers with the existing social distancing
measures, and safety and health protocols imposed in all public utility vehicles
(PUVs) and railway systems in the country; creating an unfavorable situation to our
commuting public. This transportation gap will only worsen the crisis we are
currently facing.

Thus, the intent of this bill is to promote walking, and the use of bicycles and
other non-motorized vehicles as alternative modes of transportation during the
COVID-19 Pandemic. It seeks to create a network of pop-up bicycle lanes and
emergency pathways which shall connect users to essential destinations such as
workplaces, medical facilities, and other similar places that may be identified.

The pop-up bicycle lane network may also be adopted permanently even after
the COVID-19 Pandemic, as may be appropriate and practicable upon assessment
and recommendation, to address our traffic crisis that causes a loss to our country
amounting to 3.5 Billion per day as estimated by the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6909

Introduced by HON. JESUS “BONG” C. SUNTAY

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’.

SECTION 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.

* section A (4), Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) Resolution
No. 15, 24 March 2020.


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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.

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).

SECTION 3. Safe Pathways Network. — Immediately upon the effectivity of
this Act, the Department of Transportation (DOT:) 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.


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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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 6. Permanent Adoption of Safe Pathways Network. - The DOTr,
DPWH and Local Government Units (LGUs), 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.


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Appropriate infrastructures such that of but not limited to elevated bicycle
lanes in major roads and highways, shall it be possible, and/or other necessary
infrastructure/s shall be constructed.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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,