t 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
lnfroduced by Senator Flavier 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to require all main roads and highways to be provided with 
bicycle lanes to encourage the use of bicycles. This will help ease traffic and 
transport problems as well as lessen air pollution in all major urban areas in the 
country. 
In a third world country like the Philippines with an acute transportation 
shortage and an ever-worsening air pollution problem, foot-powered bicycles 
may yet become one of the most efficient, inexpensive and practical means of 
public transport. 
This is true in major cities in Asia, particularly Hongkong, 
Taiwan, Bangkok and Beijing. In these places, people by the thousands, in 
business suits or workmen’s clothing, pedal their way to their offices or places of 
work. 
Like most Asians, Filipinos make good cyclists. For want of specifically 
designed lanes in our streets and highways, scores of traffic accidents resulting 
in the death of not a few bicycle riders have been reported. It is argued that if 
buses and jeepneys are given specific laws, there is no reason why the same 
should not be made available to bicycles. 
The benefits to be derived from the popular use of bicycles are many. On 
environmental safety, the renowned Worldwatch International, an environmental 
group based in Washington stated that “ ... a bicycle in every garage ... along 
with a solar heater in every roof ... are imperatives for an ecologically safe 
future.” For, indeed, what energy is expended in bicycle riding shall not corno 
from chemicals or gasoline which exudes noxious fumes as pollutants but from 
the natural energies of man. This, of course, spells exercise for the physical 
fitness buffs. And more, the Philippines might just come up with a pool of 
powerful cyclists who may reap honors for the country in future internatianal 
competitions. 
A more important benefit would be the decrease in the number of motor 
vehicles choking traffic arteries in our cities. In Metro Manila alone, 1,879,5133 
motor vehicles were officially registered in 1992, an increase from 1985’s 
1,120,172 figure. ‘let while the nurnber of vehicles increase, the city’s roads 
registered a negligible expansion and has remained semi-constant at 2,692 
kilometers, with passenger jeepneys dominating the roads, plus private vehicles, 
slow-moving cargo trucks, vans and gigantic trailers. 
The result is always 
bedlam in all main thoroughfares. On ordinary busy days, travel time is reduced 
to a mere 7 to 10 kilometers per hour. 


This bill, therefore, is a legislative response to the need to conser-ve 
energy, minimize air pollution and provide commuters with an alternative mode of 
transport. 
In view of its significance, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 


& j 
v 
* -. 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF- THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHlLlPPlNES 
First Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
* *3 
f 
S. NO. 
I 
lnfroduced by Senator Flavier 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR BICYCLE LANES IN ALL MAIN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS 
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION 
THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. All main roads and highways shall be provided with bicycle 
lanes under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways. 
SEC. 2. The District Engineers shall place marks on existing main roads 
and highways to indicate the lanes for bicycles. Thereafter, no new main roads 
or highway shall be approved and constructed without the required bicycle lanes. 
SEC. 3. Penalties. - Any public works official who fails or refuses to 
mark the existing main roads and highways or approve the construction of main 
roads or highways without the required bicycle lanes in their designs shall be 
punished by a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,OOO.OO) nor more 
than Thirty thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) or suspension, if found guilty in an 
appropriate administrative investigation. 
SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the marking of 
existing main roads and highways shall be charged to the appropriations of tlie 
Department of Public Works and Highways under the current General 
Appropriations Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the maintenance of the 
lanes shall be incluc'ed in the annual General Appropriations Act. 


SEC. 5. Separability Clause. -- If for any reason any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected shall remain in 
full force and effect. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. -- All laws, orders, decrees, rules and 
regulations or part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Effectivity. -- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,