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

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS \ BY: —forle

First Regular Session enoe xs
INDEX®
House Bill No. 6812 DE

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a network of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency
pathways that are people-oriented and pedestrian-fiendly to form part of an integral
strategy to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This may also be eventually
considered as a permanent mode of travel to promote better health, reduce traffic and
air pollution in the country.

In December 2019, a new form of virus known as the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-
19) shook the lives of everyone alll over the world infecting millions and causing the death
of hundreds of thousands of individuals. Because of this, the Philippines had to implement
the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) nationwide to limit transmission while
waiting for treatment and vaccine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the country into a "New Normal", where
physical distancing has become one of the new norms. Once the ECQ is lifted, it will be
more difficult to put this in practice especially in the public transportations sector
because of thousands of Filipinos that commute daily.

Since the implementation of the ECQ, health workers and other essential workers
have ben forced to explore other means of travel. Thus, it is imperative for the State to
promote other modes of travel if we are to flatten the curve, especially since there is still
No guarantee that the Community Quarantine will be lifted anytime soon.

Walking and biking are one of the best choices to continuously practice social
distancing while having to travel. However, while walking is free, it is not ideal for people
who live far from their work places. Thus, the next best choice would be biking, which is
cost-efficient and low maintenance. It promotes physical and mental health in a time of
high anxiety, and physical distancing can easily be observed. Biking further requires less
resources and will improve air quality due to reduced motorized vehicle use and
lessening air toxins which are the leading causes of respiratory infection.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes both health and environmental
benefits of biking especially during this time of crisis for people to reach their destinations,
tun essential errands and provide assistance to the vulnerable sector who is greatly
affected by this pandemic. Long before this measure has been drafted, other countries
have already established bike lanes to not only decongest traffic but to lessen pollution.
Now that the virus has forced most people to change their everyday living, this mode of
travel is further adopted and embraced.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is urgently sought.

RIA ARISUMA G. FARINAS wi, G. FARINAS |


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6812

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NETWORK OF POP-UP BICYLE 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 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 instil 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 altemative 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 frontiiners 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); SG 13 (Climate Action); and DG 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 the Local Government Units (LGUs), shall identify and
create a network of 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 the 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. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, presidential decrees or
issuances, executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,

‘amended, or modified accordingly.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions not affected

thereby.

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,