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Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
.\  \  ~  .-
HOUSE BILL NO. 6545
Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,
Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos,
Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This  bill  seeks  to  institutionalize  active  transport by establishing  a  safe
pathways network of bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets.
Majority  of  Filipinos  are  reliant  on  public  transportation.     Enhanced
community quarantine during the pandemic halted the operation of all forms of
public transport.   Mobility became a problem for those who needed to perform
essential activities outside their home.   This situation significantly affected the
economy.
There is  a need  for infrastructure and a change in mindset to encourage
and  accommodate  sustainable  and  healthy  modes  of active  transport  such  as
walking, biking, and the use of other non-motorized vehicles and to provide safe
and convenient pathways for commuters.
Prioritizing   active  transport  will  result  in  reduced  carbon  emissions,
reduced  road  congestion,  less  use  of  energy  and  resources,  as  well  as  less
dependence on oil, lightening the impact of oil price shocks.  It will also provide
multiple health benefits and enhance the quality of life.   These are also in line
with   our   commitment   to   the   Sustainable   Development   Goals   (SDGs),   in
pa;rhoMrdl..  SDG  3  (Good  Health  and  Well-Being).,  SDG  7   (Affordable  and
Clean  Energy).,  SDG  9   (Industry,  Innovation  and  Infrastructure).,  S>DG  11
(Sustainable Cities  and Communities)., SDG  +3  (Climate Action)., a,nd SDG  17
(Partnerships for the Goals) .


Access to  efficient public transport plays  a crucial role in jump-starting
the economy.   It is  imperative to consider altemative modes of transportation
that  are  safe  and  convenient.    It  will  also  help  nurture  the  environment  by
promoting  sustainability  and  reducing  the  carbon  footprint.     It  will  lift  the
whole community by improving public health,  lowering healthcare costs,  and
promoting public safety on the roads.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill  is eamestly
sought.
FHRDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS
ARIH K. ROMUALDHZ
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Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HoUSE BIL-L`No.  8545
Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,
Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos,
Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY HSTABLISHING A
SAFH  PATHWAYS  NHTWORK  0F  BICYCLE  LANES,  WALKWAYS
AND SLOW STREETS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION   1.  S4orf  r!.£Je.   -This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the   "Scz/e
Patloways Network Act. "
SEC. 2. Dcc/¢rofl.o# a/Po/i.c}7. -It is the policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
consonance with the rhythm and harmony of nature,  and protect and promote
the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
Towards  this  end,  the  State  shall  develop  mechanisms  that  provide  for
safe  and  convenient  pathways  to  encourage  and  accommodate  healthy  and
sustainable  altemative modes  of mobility that  include walking,  biking,  use  of
other non-motorized vehicles.
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SEC. 3. De¢#!./fo" a/rcrms. -As used in this Act:
(a)  "4c/I.ve frcz#sporf " refers to physical activity undertaken as a means
of transport,  such  as  walking  or  cycling  and  the  use  of other  non-motorized
vehicles;
(b)   "E/ecfrz.c perso#cz/ 777obz./z.fy  devz.ces " refer to  any  electric  motorized
device   exclusively   used   for   transporting   an   individual,   including   electric
bicycles  and  electric  kick  scooters  but  excluding  motorcycles,  tricycles,  and
other similar modes of transport;
(c)  "E#d-o/-/rzp /czcz./z./z.es " refer to  facilities that cater to active transport
users' needs at their destinations such as shower and changing rooms, short-and
long-term bicycle parking, bicycle repair stations, and lockers, among others;
(d)  "IVo#-mo/or7.zec7 vefo!.c/es " refer to  all  forms  of transportation that do
not  rely  on  an  engine  or  motor  for  movement,  including  bicycles  and  small
wheeled  non-motorized  transport;   such   as   skateboards,   push   scooters,   and
handcarts; and
(e)   "S/ow  s/reeds"  refer  to  local  roads  providing  safe  and  convenient
access  and  use  by  restricting  motor  vehicle  access  or  setting  speed  limits  on
certain days or hours of the day, or any combination of such measures as may
be determined by the concerned local government unit (LGU), and prioritizing
access and use by pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicle users.
SEC. 4. S¢/c Pwffow¢ys IVcfl4;or4. -Within twelve (12) months from the
effectivity of this Act, the safe pathways network shall be established for the use
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of active transport purposes. Electric personal mobility devices may be allowed
along these pathways,  subject to the guidelines set by the concerned LGUs,  in
consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The safe pathways network consists of the following:
(a)      Bz.c};c/e /cz#es. -The LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the
Department  of  Public  Works  and  Highways   (DPWH),   shall   identify  and
establish temporary or permanent network of bicycle lanes. If establishment of
permanent lanes are not feasible, the temporary lanes, alternatively known as
pop-up lanes, may be set up, whenever necessary, including during emergency
situations until permanent lanes are established. Along national roads in Metro
Manila,  the  DOTr,  in  coordination  with  the  DPWII  and  the  Metro  Manila
Development Authority (MMDA), shall set up the bicycle lanes.
Pop-up bicycle 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 bicycle  lanes  shall  directly connect to  public  and private  facilities
such as medical institutions,  schools, retail  stores,  and other similar facilities.
Motorized bicycles and similar transport, are prohibited from using the bicycle
lanes unless otherwise designed for sharing with such mode for transport;
(b) Wcz/fat/o};s.  - The walkways  shall be designated or constructed for
the  use  of pedestrians,  including  the  use  of strollers,  wheelchairs  and  other
mobility  devices   for  children.   Walkways   may  also   be   shared  with  non-
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motorized  vehicles   and  electric  personal   mobility  devices,   subject  to  the
guidelines  set by the  concerned  LGUs  and taking  into  account  the  safety of
pedestrians.
(c)S/ow a/reeds.  -To  complement  the  network of bicycle  lanes,  the
LGUs shall establish a designated network of temporary or permanent people-
oriented slow streets that will provide safe and convenient access and use of
specific local roads.  Speed limits or limited access on certain days or hours in
the day by motorized vehicles, or any combination of such measures shall be
determined by the concerned LGU.  Motor vehicles of residents,  delivery and
trash  collection  vehicles  servicing  the  area  of  the  slow  streets,  and  motor
vehicles  for  emergency  services  shall  have  access  to  slow  streets,  subject to
restrictions to be imposed by the LGU.
Slow  streets   shall  be  clearly  marked  with  signage  specifying  the
restrictions. LGUs shall identify priority areas for implementation within their
jurisdiction.    The    DOTr    and    DPWII    may    provide    assistance    in    the
identification of slow streets.
SEC;. 5. Institutional Facilities Pathways Priority. -The LGHs sha+i
coordinate with public and private institutions within their jurisdiction for the
establishment   of  bicycle   lanes,   walkways,   slow   streets,   and   end-of-trip
facilities within such institutions.
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The safety of healthcare workers and patients who use active transport
to hospitals and other healthcare facilities must be taken into consideration in
the establishment of bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets.
SEE. 6. Traffic  Laws, Rules  and Regulations. -  A;Il users of rron-
motorized   vehicles   and   electric   personal   mobility   devices   shall   observe
existing    traffic    laws,    rules    and    regulations    and    shall    be    subject    to
corresponding penalties in case of violation thereof.
The LGUs, in consultation with DOTr and other appropriate agencies,
shall  issue  ordinances  for the  safe  use  of bicycle  lanes  and  the use  of non-
motorized vehicles and electrical personal mobility devices.
SEC. 7 . Bicycle Racks and other End-Of:Trip Facilities. - A:Il qubho
places,  government  offices,  schools,  places  of work,  mass  transit  and public
utility  vehicle  terminals,   and   commercial   establishments,   including   malls,
banks, and hospitals, must have, as far as practicable, multi-use bicycle racks
and other end-of-trip facilities, as needed.
SEC. 8. Ro/e a/Pwb/J.c ¢#d Pr!.tJ¢fe Secfors. -The public and private
sectors  shall  promote  active transport  as  a  sustainable  and healthy means  of
transportation  and  develop  the  safe  pathways  network  as  provided  under
Section 4 of this Act, by putting up the necessary infrastructure facilities and
programs,  and  provide,  as  far  as  practicable,  additional  support,  benefits,
subsidies, and training that promote active transport.
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LGUs shall incorporate the creation of the safe pathways network and
their corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.
SEC;.  9.    Information  and  Education  Campaign.  -The DCITr, in
coordination  with  other  government  agencies  and  the  private  sector,  shall
establish an information and education campaign on the importance of a shift
to a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, and the establishment and
use  of the  safe  pathways  network.  The  campaign  shall  be  designed  for  all
present and potential  active transport users,  traffic  enforcers,  motorists,  non-
motorized vehicle and electric personal mobility device users, the commuting
public, and the community in general.
S>EC.10. Design and Construction Of Permanent Bicycle Lanes and
W¢/4w¢ys.  -  Permanent  bicycle  lanes  and  walkways  shall  be  designed  or
constructed  with  safety  as  the  paramount  concern.  As  much  as  practicable,
permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be physically separated from the
main   road   through   physical   barriers,   or   shall   be   elevated   or   otherwise
constructed separately from the main barriers, or shall be elevated or otherwise
constructed separately from the main road.
In areas where the physical separation of bicycle lanes and walkways
is not possible, the roads shall be adapted, as far as practicable, for shared use
with active transport users.  Painted road markers may also be used for roads
with limited space.
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The DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr and LGUs, shall revise its
manuals  and  guidelines  for  road  design  and  construction  to  include  non-
motorized vehicles  and electric personal mobility devices  in the allocation of
road space and to promote the safety of active transport and electric personal
mobility device users.
SEC.  11. Sowrccs a/FWHd!.#g. -The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations
of  the  DOTr  and  DPWH  under  the  General  Appropriations  Act,  and  the
Special Road Fund from the Motor Vehicle User's Charge as provided under
Republic   Act  No.   8794,   as   amended.   Thereafter,   such   sums   as   may  be
necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
The amount necessary for the establishment and construction of safe
pathways network under the jurisdiction of LGUs shall be charged against the
twenty  percent  (20%)  national  tax  allotment  of LGUs  earmarked  for  local
development proj ects.
SEC.   12.     Scp¢robJ./I.fy  CJowsc.  -  If  any  provision  of  this  Act  is
declared   unconstitutional   or   otherwise   invalid,   the   remaining   parts   or
provisions not affected shall remain in force and effect.
SEC.  13.  Repc¢/I.#g  CJ¢z/sc.  -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.
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SEC.  14. Ejj7ecfl.tJdy. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the O/fcz.cz/ Gczzef/e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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