HUUSE OF REPRESENTAT! WES
RECEIVED
0.1 AUG 2016

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Republic of the Philippines TEs
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY:
Quezon City

REGISTRATION UNIT

INDEX SERVI
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS pussy

First Regular Session

2276

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Cycling or biking has its variety of benefits whether the use be for transport, recreation or
sport. It provides advantages over the use of motor vehicles since bicycles produce no noise
pollution, do not consume fuels, there is a reduction in traffic, and parking is easier. It also provides
a form of exercise and relaxation. With all these benefits, the establishment of a nationwide
program for the establishment of bike lanes in all major thoroughfares is desirable.

In order for the program to be established and properly supported, proper infrastructure
must be created. Without it, biking on Philippine roads, which is dominated by motor vehicles,
remains hazardous to the cyclist.. Bicycle- friendly cities are those that are most accommodating to
cyclists. Cities are thought to be bicycle- friendly when they: (I) create a safe and easy environment
for cycling; (2) educate the community on bicycle safety and laws; and (3) enforce rules and
regulations surrounding traffic and marked lanes.

This bill seeks to establish bike-friendly communities throughout the Philippines.

Establishing bike friendly communities can only be created through smart engineering and
a concrete alternative means of

proper planning. This will empower citizens by providing them
commuting from one place to another. The integration of biking into the country’s transport
system will ensure that the program becomes more permanent

Finally, this bill also seeks to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a
comprehensive plan and program to ensure the safety not only of cyclists, but all other commuters,



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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2a7e
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES AND PROMOTING
THE USE OF BICYCLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall known as the “Bicycle Act of 2016”.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is the policy of the State to promote environmentally
sound and affordable means of transportation for its citizens that shall serve as an alternative to
vehicles which consume fuel. It is also the policy of the State to protect the welfare and safety of
the commuting public and all road users. Toward this end, the State shall promote biking as a means
of transport by establishing a comprehensive network of bike lanes, bike facilities and a road safety
program.

The State shall ensure that the needs and safety of all road users particularly the pedestrians
and cyclists are fully integrated into the planning, design, operation and maintenance of the
country’s transportation system,

Section 3. Definition of terms.- For purposes of this Act, the term:

A. “Bike or Bicycle” means a non-motorized vehicle consisting of a light frame mounted on
two wire-spoked wheels one behind the other and having a seat, handlebars for
steering, brakes, and two pedals;

B. “Cyclist” means a person who rides a bicycle;

C. “DOT” means the Department of Transportation;

D. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.


Section 4, Establishing Bike-Friendly Communities through a National Bike Program. - The
Secretary shall establish a bike program under the Department of Transportation and
Communication to promote safe biking in all towns and cities. The program shall include the
construction and maintenance of bicycle lanes, parking, and support facilities. The Secretary shall
also create an educational and awareness program on traffic safety. The Secretary may enlist the
assistance of other departments or government agencies to carry out this section,

SECTION 5. Bicycle Lanes. - There shall be designated bicycle lanes in all primary and
secondary roads nationwide that shall serve as exclusive access for bicycle riders. Motor vehicles are
prohibited from being driven or parked on any bicycle lane.

The bicycle lanes shall be separated by a physical barrier or devoted path and shall be clearly
identified with signs and/or pavement markings. In cases where the installation of a physical barrier
or elevated path is not feasible, the lane for bicycles shall be identified through reflectorized yellow
painted lines. Bicycle lanes must never compromise the mobility and safety o f pedestrians.

The bicycle lanes should traverse across all towns and cities nationwide

Cyclists shall be required to bike within the lanes, unless no bike lanes have been designated
on such roads yet. Cyclists must obey all traffic rules and regulations except those which are not
applicable to bicycles.

SECTION 6. Bicycle Parking. - All public places, government offices, schools, major business
establishments, including malls, banks, restaurants, hospitals, and the like, are hereby required to
provide bicycle racks for bicycle parking.

Bicycle parking should be secure, visible, accessible, and not in the way of pedestrians or
motor vehicles,

SECTION 7. Bicycle Infrastructure. -- In addition to the bicycle lanes and bicycle parking areas,
support facilities shall be established to ensure that cyclists and their bicycles can travel safely and to
lessen the possibility of collisions with pedestrians. These facilities include, but are not limited, to
the following:

Sidewalk improvements;
Traffic calming and speed reduction improvements;
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements;
Traffic Signage pertaining to bicycles;

Off-street pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
Traffic diversion improvements.

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SECTION 8. Educational Program.- The Secretary, in cooperation with the Department of Education,
the Commission on Higher Education, and local governements, shall establish an educational
program to increase awareness on bike safety and road sharing. The program shall be designed for
traffic enforcers, motorists, cyclists, and the commuting public. The program shall include:

A. Traffic education and enforcement;
B. Motorist Awareness and Road Sharing; and
C. Bicycle and Pedestrian safety.

SECTION 9. Carless Day.- To promote the use of bicycles, the country shall participate in the annual
celebration of World Car-Free Day. The second Sunday of September shall be designated as Carles


Day. The Secretary is hereby mandated to determine the primary and secondary roads to be carless
during this annual celebration.

SECTION 10. Bike to Work.- The Department of Transportation shall establish a program the gives
incentives to private and government offices that encourage their employees to ride their bicycles to
work by providing for bicycle facilities within their establishments, lockers and showers.

SECTION 11. Grants.- In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may make grants to
local government units and non-governmental organizations that the Secretary determines are
suitably equipped and organized to carry out the objectives and requirements of this Act. A local
government unit that receives a grant under this Section may sub-allocate grant funds to a non-
profit organization to carry out the program

SECTION 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within thirty (30) days after this Act takes
effect, a committee shall be created to formulate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
The Committee shall be composed of the following:

A. The Secretary of Transportation or an authorized representative, who shall serve as
Chairman of the Committee;

8. Arepresentative from the Department of Public Works and Highways;

A represenative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

D. A professor from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional
Planning;
Two (2) representatives from various bicycle organization:
A representative from the MMDA.

9

nd

Within six (6) months after this Act takes effect, the Secretary of Transportation shall
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 13. Appropriation.- To carry out the provisions of this Act, such amount as may be
necessary is hereby autorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. Thereafter, the
amount necessary for the continuous operation of the Bike Program shall be included in the annual
appropriation of the DOT.

SECTION 14. 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 15. Repealing Clause.- Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of
this Actis hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Section 16. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,