Ligtas at Aktibong Komunidad at Daan (Lakad) Act

Senate Office of the Secretacy TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session APR 13 P3:29 RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 2036 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT PROMOTING ACTIVE MOBILITY THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF WALKABLE, BIKEABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Traffic congestion, road safety risks, and environmental degradation continue to undermine the quality of life in Philippine cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing metropolitan areas. The dominance of car-centric road systems have resulted in limited mobility options, unsafe conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, there is a growing need to promote active mobility, such as walking and cycling, as a safe, sustainable, and health-promoting mode of transport. However, the lack of safe, accessible, and connected infrastructure remains a major barrier to its widespread adoption. This measure seeks to address these challenges by institutionalizing a Safe Pathways Network that will enable the development of walkable, bikeable, and sustainable communities. It

promotes integration with public transport systems and encourages the participation of both the public and private sectors. By prioritizing protected bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, slow streets, and green corridors, the bill aims to create an active transport infrastructure that is safer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ERWIN T. TULFO

Senate Office of the Saccretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session APR 13 P 3:29 RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 2036 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT PROMOTING ACTIVE MOBILITY THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF WALKABLE, BIKEABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, 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

"Ligtas at Aktibong Komunidad at Daan (LAKAD) Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to

5 promote the health, safety, and well-being of the people by developing 6 safe, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Towards this 7 end, the State shall prioritize active mobility as a safe and viable mode 8 of transport, develop integrated, connected, and people-centered 9 transport systems, and reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and 10 greenhouse gas emissions consistent with sustainable development and 11 climate-resilient goals.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act:

a) Active Mobility or Transport refers to any form of physical activity undertaken as a means of transport, such as walking, cycling, and the use of non-motorized vehicles; b) Bicycle Lanes refer to designated lanes for bicycles, preferably physically separated from motorized traffic, and constructed along or within roadways. Motorcycles, tricycles, and similar motorized vehicles, whether powered by fuel or electricity, shall be prohibited from using bicycle lanes unless otherwise designated for shared use: c) Complete Streets Principle refers to a planning and design approach that ensures streets are planned, designed, operated and maintained to be safe, accessible and convenient for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, the commuting public, and motorists, while integrating urban greening, and efficient mobility. d) Electric Personal Mobility Device refers to any compact, low- speed, electrically-powered device designed primarily for individual mobility, particularly for assistive use or short- distance travel, which may be allowed on bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and other designated non-motorized transport infrastructure, subject to applicable rules and regulations; e) End-of-Trip Facilities refer to facilities and amenities to support active transport users at their destinations, including bicycle parking, racks, lockers, showers and changing rooms, and repair stations; f) High-Density Corridors refer to urban areas or road networks characterized by high concentration of population, economic activity, or transport demand;

g) Metropolitan Areas refer to highly urbanized and densely populated areas composed of a core city and its surrounding cities and municipalities, including but not limited to Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and such other areas as may be designated by appropriate national agencies; h) Non-Motorized Vehicles refer to all forms of transportation that do not rely on an engine or motor for movement, including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, push scooters, and handcarts; i) Pedestrian Walkways refer to accessible, adequately-sized, and obstruction-free sidewalks or pathways for the use of pedestrians; and j) Slow Streets refer to designated local roads where vehicular traffic is restricted or calmed to provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. The concerned local government unit (LGU) may regulate motor vehicle access, speed, or usage on certain days or hours in the day, or any combination of such other measures to prioritize active mobility or transport.

SEC. 4. Establishment of the Safe Pathways Network. - Within

twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act, a Safe Pathways Network shall be planned, designated, and established for the use of active mobility or transport. The Safe Pathways Network shall include: a) Protected Bicycle Lanes. - LGUs, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and create a network of bicycle lanes in their respective jurisdictions. Temporary or pop-up lanes may be set-up whenever necessary, including during emergency situations.

In the case of Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in coordination with the DOTr, the DPWH, and the concerned LGUs, shall be the lead implementing agency. Bicycle lanes shall, as far as practicable, be physically separated from motorized traffic; form part of a continuous and connected network; and provide direct access to essential destinations, including but not limited to schools, workplaces, transport hubs, healthcare facilities, and commercial areas. b) Pedestrian Walkways. - LGUs shall ensure the provision, improvement, and maintenance of safe, continuous, and accessible pedestrian walkways. Such walkways shall be obstruction-free, well-lit, and shaded, designed in accordance with universal accessibility standards; and shall prioritize pedestrian use: Provided, That shared use with non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices may be allowed in designated areas, subject to safety regulations. c) Slow Streets - LGUs may designate people-oriented slow streets, whether temporary or permanent, to complement the network of bicycle lanes and walkways. Such streets shall prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and other non- motorized users, subject to reduced speed limits or restricted vehicular access, and clearly marked with appropriate signage and road design interventions. Access by motor vehicles, including those of emergency services, waste collection, and deliveries, shall be subject to regulations by the concerned LGU. The DOTr and DPWH shall provide technical assistance, upon request, in the identification and designation of slow streets.

d) Greenways and Linear Parks - Green infrastructure, including but not limited to trees, urban gardens, green buffers, landscaped corridors, and stormwater management features, shall be integrated into the Safe Pathways Network. e) Intermodal Connectivity - The Safe Pathways Network shall, as far as practicable, be integrated with public transport systems such as public utility vehicles (PUVs), railways, and ferry services. 11 Provided, that full implementation may be carried out in phases based 12 on local conditions and resource availability. 14 Provided, further, that such phased implementation shall commence not later than two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Prioritization in High-Density Corridors. - The

development of the Safe Pathways Network in high-density corridors including business districts, school zones, transport hubs, especially in metropolitan areas, shall be prioritized.

SEC. 6. General Design and Sustainability Standards. - All

infrastructure under the Safe Pathways Network shall, at a minimum: a) Adhere to the Complete Streets principle under Section 3(c); b) Incorporate shade, vegetation, green buffers, and permeable surfaces; c) Ensure universal accessibility for persons with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and the elderly; d) Integrate climate-resilient and disaster-responsive design features; and e) Utilize sustainable, durable, and locally- appropriate materials. Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, the DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), shall issue the unified design, construction, and safety standards.

SEC. 7. Construction of Bicycle Lanes and Walkways. - The

design and construction of bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways shall be governed by the standards under Section 6 and shall prioritize user safety, physical protection, and network continuity, as follows: a) Protected Facilities. - As far as practicable, bicycle lanes and 7 walkways shall be physically separated from motorized traffic through barriers, elevation, or other appropriate design interventions; b) Alternative Designs. - Where physical separation is not 11 feasible due to space or site constraints, shared-use or traffic-calmed 12 street designs may be adopted, subject to safety standards prescribed by the DPWH; c) Interim Markings. - Painted markings, delineators, or similar treatments may be used as interim or supplementary measures, but shall not substitute for permanent safety infrastructure where such infrastructure is practicable; and d) Road Space Allocation. - The DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr and LGUs, shall revise and update all relevant road design manuals and guidelines to ensure the allocation of adequate and protected space for active transport users and electric personal mobility device users in national and local roads.

SEC. 8. Traffic Rules and Regulations. - All users of non-

motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices shall comply with applicable traffic laws, including traffic signals, signs, road markings, and right-of-way rules, whether on the Safe Pathways Network or on shared public roads. To ensure safety, the concerned LGU shall prescribe and enforce reduced speed limits in designated areas, including slow streets and shared-use zones. Pedestrians shall have priority on walkways, and active transport users shall have priority within designated facilities. Motorized vehicles shall be prohibited from using protected bicycle 37 lanes, pedestrian walkways, and other designated non-motorized

1 transport facilities, except for emergency vehicles or as may be authorized by the LGU. LGUs, in coordination with the DOTr, shall issue and enforce guidelines for the safe use of electric personal mobility devices, and non-motorized vehicles along bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow 7 streets.

SEC. 9. Institutional and Commercial Integration. - The Safe

10 Pathways Network shall be integrated with public and private 11 establishments to provide safe, direct, and convenient access for 12 employees, customers, and the general public. For this purpose, LGUs shall facilitate the connection of bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways to major activity centers, including schools, workplaces, commercial establishments, government offices, 17 and transport terminals, and, encourage and support the development 18 of end-of-trip facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, racks, and other support amenities for active transport users, within or in proximity to such establishments.

SEC. 10. Role of Public and Private Sectors. - Both public and

private sectors shall coordinate with the concerned LGU for seamless integration, promote active transport as a sustainable and healthy means of mobility, and may provide the necessary end-of-trip facilities to support the Safe Pathways Network. LGUs shall incorporate the development of the Safe Pathways Network and their corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.

SEC. 11. Inter-Agency Coordination and Accountability. -

Consistent with their respective mandates under existing laws, the concerned LGUs, the DPWH, and the DOTr shall ensure continuous coordination, information sharing, and alignment of programs for the 36 effective implementation of this Act.

Failure of any implementing agency to comply with its mandated responsibilities under this Act shall subject the responsible officials to 3 administrative accountability under applicable civil service laws and regulations, without prejudice to other liabilities under existing laws. a) Role of LGUs: 1) Identify and map roads for inclusion in the Safe Pathways Network, with priority given to high-density corridors; 2) Prepare and adopt a local plan consistent with the unified standards prescribed under this Act; 3) Establish, implement, and maintain bicycle lanes, walkways, slow streets, and related infrastructure within their jurisdiction; 4) Enact and enforce local ordinances governing traffic rules, speed limits, and use of Safe Pathways Network facilities; 5) Ensure integration and connectivity of the network with public and private establishments; and 6) Monitor implementation and submit periodic reports to the DOTr. In the case of Metro Manila, these shall be undertaken by the MMDA, in coordination with the concerned LGUs. b) Role of the DPWH: 1) Develop unified design, construction and safety standards under this Act; 2) Ensure that national road projects and retrofits incorporate Safe Pathways Network components and comply with prescribed standards; 3) Provide technical assistance to LGUs in infrastructure planning and design; and 4) Review and update existing road design manuals and/or engineering standards, particularly in the reallocation of spaces for active transport. c) Role of the DOTr: 1) Serve as the central coordinating agency for the implementation of this Act;

2) Consolidate LGU submissions, plans and reports, as well as relevant DPWH data, into a National Safe Pathways Network Plan; 3) Ensure integration of the Safe Pathways Network with public transport systems and national mobility policies; 4) Monitor nationwide implementation and compliance; 5) Implement a nationwide information and education campaign under Section 14 of this Act; and 6) Submit reports to Congress in accordance with Section 15 of this Act.

SEC. 12. Incentives and Support Mechanisms. - To encourage

compliance with this Act, the national government may provide the following incentives and support mechanisms: a) Technical Assistance. - The DOTr and the DPWH shall provide technical assistance to LGUs in planning, design, and implementation of the Safe Pathways Network; b) Financial Support. - LGUs may be eligible for financial assistance, grants, or access to national government funding for programs or projects that are aligned with the objectives of this Act, subject to availability of funds; c) Performance-Based Incentives for LGUs. - The DILG, in coordination with the DOTr and DP WH, may establish a performance- based incentive system to recognize and support LGUs that demonstrate substantial compliance with this Act; and d) Private Sector Incentives. - The national government and LGUs may provide appropriate incentives to private entities that support the development of active transport infrastructure and facilities, including the provision of end-of-trip facilities, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

SEC. 13. Information and Education Campaign. - The DOTr, in

coordination with relevant government agencies, LGUs, and the private

1 sector, shall develop and implement a nationwide information and 2 education campaign to promote active mobility and the establishment, proper use, and benefits of the Safe Pathways Network. Such campaign shall include shared road use, road safety and traffic discipline, 5 environmental sustainability, and the public health benefits of walking 6 and cycling. The campaign shall be directed toward all road users and 9 stakeholders, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, traffic 10 enforcers, users of non-motorized vehicles and electric personal 11 mobility devices, the commuting public, and the general community.

SEC. 14. Reportorial Requirement. - Within six (6) months from

the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr shall submit to Congress an initial report to serve as basis for policy formulation and determination of 16 funding requirements for the establishment of the Safe Pathways 17 Network. The report shall include, but not be limited to: a) Identified and designated roads and corridors forming part of the Safe Pathways Network; b) Baseline data on the number of pedestrians, cyclists, and users of electric personal mobility devices; and c) A national map of existing and planned Safe Pathways Network infrastructure; and d) Identified gaps, challenges, and recommended measures. For this purpose, all LGUs shall submit to the DOTr the necessary data and reports within such period and in such format as may be prescribed by the DOTr. Thereafter, the DOTr shall submit an annual report to Congress, containing updates on implementation, progress indicators, and funding requirements.

SEC. 15. Sources of Funding. The funds necessary for the

37 implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the amounts set aside

1 by LGUs for infrastructure projects within their jurisdiction, as well as 2 from the appropriations of the DOTr and the DPWH under the General 3 Appropriations Act, and the Special Road Fund from the Motor Vehicle User's Charge as provided under Republic Act No. 8794, as amended.

SEC. 16. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

7 this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions 8 and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, 9 shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 17. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,

12 proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 18. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

17 after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 18 newspapers of general circulation. Approved,