Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

og P
First Regular Session
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

3827

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE Emi Calixto-Rubiano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Section 15 and 1, Article II on Declaration of Principles and State Policies
of the 1987 Constitution, it provided that “the State shall 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.”

It is to be stressed that the advantages of using a bicycle as an alternative means
of transport 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 traffic 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.

This bill is a refiled bill of HOUSE BILL NO. 4785 entitled “AN ACT
DEFINING THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF BICYCLIST, ESTABLISHING A
LOCAL BIKEWAYS OFFICE, PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE IN RELATION
THERETO AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF”,
authored by the undersigned during the 15" Congress.

Itis therefore urgently requested that the early passage of this measure be

considered by this Congress.
Me

EMI CALIXTO-RUBIANO
Representative
Lone Disirict of Pasay City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

First Regular Session
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

HOUSE BILL NO. 3827

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 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Bicycle Act of 2014”.

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:

a.

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

“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 bicyclist / cyclist or the driver of the two
wheeled vehicle / bicycle; and

“Bicycle Lane” means any longitudinal strip that is designed for the use
and passage of the bicycle.

Section 4. Creation of a Bikeway Office. — Under the provisions of this Act, a
Local 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 roads covered within the jurisdiction
of the said local government unit concerned;

responsible for project development, management, and/or
implementation of a bikeway project and roadmap in coordination with
the department of Public Works and Highways and other government
agencies concerned;

establishes partnerships with local or foreign organizations to carry out
provisions of this Act in facilitating an easy bicycle access and network;
conducts information drives in coordination with Department of Land
Transportation and 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

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

Section 6. Duties and Obligations of Bicycle Riders. Bicycle Riders shall have
the following duties and obligations:

a.

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

Cyclist can ride 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 white front headlight and a 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

Cyclist while riding must always wear appropriate helmet with chin
strap firmly fastened; and

Cyclist shall use appropriate hand and arm signals mentioned in section
8 herein,

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

a.
b.

ce.

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

Cyclist shall not carry in their bicycle more persons than it is designed and
equipped to carry;

Cyclist shall not carry package, bundle, or article 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

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 shall park a bicycle 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 tum ~ hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle.

b. Right turn — left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bicycle
or right hand arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

c. 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
bicycles, for its parking areas and other similarly related activities.

Section 10. Use of Bicycle Lanes. Any person operating a bicycle shall obey
traffic regulations, signs and other control 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 designated bikeway lane and shall remain inside lane exercising utmost due
care and diligence.

Section 11. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be
penalized with a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (PhP 1,000.00) but not more
than Two Thousand Pesos (PhP 2,000.00). In case of violation therein causes damage to
property and/or injury to person, the pertinent provisions of the Civil Code of the
Philippines and the Revised Penal Code shall be applicable.

Section 12. Implementing Rules. One month after the enactment of this Act, 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 shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 13. Separability Clause. - If 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, Repealing Clause. - Any law, 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 after

its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,