Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5
House BILL No, 2+

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

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

This bill seeks to create a network of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways that
are people-oriented and pedestrian-friendly, which shall connect users to essential
destinations such as work, school, medical facilities, and other similar places that may be
identified.

The promotion of other modes of travel is imperative if we are to avoid a spike in COVID-
19 cases. Walking and biking stand out as option. Walking is free. On the other hand, the
cost of buying and maintaining a bike is very low in comparison with motorized vehicles.

Walking and bicycling promote physical and mental health in a time of high anxiety, and
physical distancing is easy to implement. Other countries have adopted this even before
COVID-19. These have even surged in cities like New York, Mexico and Berlin where
temporary bicycle lanes are set-up temporary bicycle lanes to facilitate mobility during the
pandemic.

The proposal will be useful long after the health crisis is over as a way to combat our
congested roads and air pollution.

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

ly frdr

LUIS RAYMUI RAY} F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7521

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

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 COVID8 19 provides
that the State shall mitigate the consequences and impact of the COVID9 19 pandemic
on 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 alternative modes of transportation such as walking,
bicycles, and other non-motorized vehicles, and to provide safe and convenient pathways
for commuters, especially health workers and other front liners, 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 front liners 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. — \mmediately upon the effectivity of this Act,
the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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, as much as practicable, directly
connect users to essential destinations such as medical facilities, public and private
facilities frequented by people, schools, when they 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. Electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other similar modes of transport may
be allowed subject to the guidelines set by the DOTr and other appropriate agencies.

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. Health Facilities Loop. — The LGUs shall coordinate with health facilities
within their jurisdiction to establish pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways that
can connect and provide safe access for healthcare workers to hospitals and other
health centers.

Section 5. Obedience to Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations. — All non-motorized

vehicle users, including users of electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other similar
modes of transport as allowed by the DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall obey


existing traffic laws, rules and regulations, and shall be subject to existing penalties
for violations.

The DOTr, in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority and other
appropriate agencies, shall issue guidelines for safe biking and the use of non motorized
vehicles.

Section 6. Non-Motorized Vehicle Parking Spaces. — All public places, goverment
offices, schools, places of work and major commercial establishments, including malls,
banks, hospitals, and the like shall provide, as far as practicable, adequate parking
spaces for bicycles, other non-motorized vehicles, and electric scooters, electric
bicycles, and other similar modes of transport as allowed by the DOTr and other
appropriate agencies.

Section 7. 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, changing areas, and hydration
facilities, and shall continue following physical distancing measures during travel.

Section 8. Permanent Adoption of Safe Pathways Network. — The DOTr, DPWH
and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the
appropriate agencies, shall prepare to permanently adopt the established bicycle lanes
and emergency pathways, as may be appropriate. Pursuant to this, the LGUs shall clear
all local roads and sidewalks of obstructions, and make the necessary improvements
on existing structures. Alll non-motorized vehicle parking spaces and other infrastructure
shall also be made permanent, as may be appropriate and practicable.

Further, the DPWH shall revise its manuals and guidelines for road design and
construction to include non-motorized vehicles in the allocation of road space on
national and local roads, and to promote the safety of pedestrians and nonmotorized
vehicle users.

The LGUs shall coordinate and issue the necessary measures for the adoption and
implementation of the Safe Pathways Network, in compliance with the implementing
rules and regulations as provided in Section 9 of this Act.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOTr, in coordination with the DPWH, DILG, and other
appropriate agencies, shall promulgate and issue the necessary guidelines for the
effective implementation of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations issued
pursuant to this Section shalll take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation.


Section 10. Appropriations. — The funds necessary for the initial implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the DOTr and DPWH. Thereafter,
funding shall be included in the budget of the DOTr and DPWH under the annual
General Appropriations Act.

Section 11. 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 12. 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.

Sec. 13. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,