Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILL No. _|_ 6804

Introduced by HON. RONALDO B. ZAMORA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic has drastically altered our lives. Worldwide, political,
economic, and social systems underwent, and continues to undergo, radical and sweeping
changes to ensure human continuity and survival. Nearly four months into the Pandemic, a hasty
retum to full normality, as we all previously knew it, would be imprudent, possibly even more
catastrophic. Adjustments need to be carefully crafted and introduced by phases to help transition
economies and societies back to a path of growth, without endangering public health.

An important element of efforts to revive economies and societies relate to people's
mobility, and public transportation. It is within this perspective that this crucial proposal is
offered. At a time when the country is faced with the tough decision of moving to General
Community Quarantine from a highly restrictive Enhanced Community Quarantine, it is but
practical to proffer solutions that would help increase people’s mobility, particularly among our
workforce.

A practical option is to promote and support alternative modes of transportation, such as
walking, bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles. To accomplish this, most particularly given
the continuing situation, the Government needs to provide safe and convenient pathways for
pedestrians and non-motorized travel. We need to lay down formal guidelines to ensure that
physical distancing will remain in force, even as alternative modes of transport are promoted; at
least until full public transport is reinstated.

The promotion of walking, biking and the use of non-motorized vehicles will not be just a
practical option for public transport amid the lingering pandemic. In the long run, this
Representation believes that the same will likewise result in reduced carbon emissions, less use

of energy and resources, and provide multiple health benefits and enhanced quality of life among

inos, in a post-pandemic Philippines.

I, therefore, urge all of my esteemed Colleagues of the 18 Congress to consider this
proposal in eamest, and approve the same with dispatch.

RONALDO B. ZAMORA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
irst Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _* 6804

Introduced by HON. RONALDO B. ZAMORA

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”.

Sec. 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 COVID-19
provides that the State shall mitigate the consequences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to
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 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 frontliners 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,

1 Section A (4), Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) Resolution No.


bicycles, and small-wheeled non-motorized transport (skates, skateboards, push scooters and
hand carts).

Sec. 3. Safe Pathways Network. — Immediately 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 connect users to essential destinations such as medical facilities, public and
private facilities frequented by people, school, when they do 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.

The pop-up bicycle lanes must have the necessary space to accommodate the expected
increase of users and the need for physical distancing at least one (1) meter apart.

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.

Sec. 4. Non-Motorized Vehicle Parking Spaces. — All public places, government offices,
schools, places of work and major commercial establishments, including malls, banks, hospitals,
and the like, shall provide adequate parking spaces for bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles
as far as practicable.

Sec. 5. 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 and changing areas and shall continue following physical
distancing measures during travel.

Sec. 6. Permanent Adoption of Safe Pathways Network. - The DOTr and DPWH, in
coordination with the appropriate agencies, shall prepare to permanently adopt the established
bicycle lanes and emergency pathways, as may be appropriate, once COVID-19 is no longer a
threat as declared by the proper authorities. Pursuant to this, non-motorized parking spaces and
other infrastructure shall also be made permanent as may be appropriate and practicable.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the DOTr shall promulgate and issue the necessary guidelines for the effective
implementation of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this
Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Sec. 8. Appropriations. — The funds necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the appropriations of the DOTr, DPWH, and LGUs as needed.
‘Thereafter, funding shall be included in the budget of the DOTr and DPWH under the annual



Sec. 9. 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.

Sec. 10. 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. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,