Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -2 P4:55 SENATE RECOM S. No. 24 Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS, AND SLOW STREETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Every Filipino deserves the right to travel in a way that is safe, health-promoting, and economically accessible. Our current public transportation system, however, remains overcrowded, inadequate, and inaccessible to many. The country's reliance on private cars not only exacerbates traffic congestion but also undermines efforts toward sustainability, contributing significantly to air pollution and environmental degradation. It also bears noting that the recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, have caused significant volatility in the global oil market. This situation is especially concerning for the transportation sector, where rising fuel prices directly impact the affordability and sustainability of public and private transportation. In this context, the urgent need for alternative modes of transportation has never been more apparent. Shifting towards more sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient transportation systems is critical to mitigating the impact of global oil price volatility. Investing in infrastructure for biking, walking, and public

transportation systems that are less reliant on fossil fuels can help reduce the country's dependence on oil, protect the environment, and improve the overall quality of life for Filipinos. As a party to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the United Nations (UN), the Philippines has improved its global SDG standing, from 98th, now ranking 92nd out of 167 countries, and 6th among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. While this marks progress, challenges remain: the country is currently stagnant in meeting some of the targets, including: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).' These are sectors where transport policy plays a vital role. In particular, SDG 11 is closely tied to urban planning and the need to address air pollution, congestion, and access to safe, inclusive mobility. By advancing active and sustainable transport, this measure aims to address these gaps and support the Philippines in achieving its 2030 SDG targets.? The undersigned first filed this proposed measure in the 18th Congress and refiled it in the 19th Congress as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking. The bill seeks to promote safe, accessible, and inclusive mobility through the development of dedicated walkways, bike lanes, and slow streets. This bill is designed as a long-term strategy to address urban congestion, rising and unpredictable fuel prices, and ongoing air pollution. It also emphasizes the importance of slow streets in communities, to limit motorized vehicle use and ' Wealth Insights.ph. (2024). Philippines as improved slightly in attaining SDGS — UN report https://wealthinsights.metrobank.com.ph/bworldonline/philippines-improved-slightly-in-attaining-sdgs-un-report/ 2 UN Environment Programme. (n.d). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities https://www.unep.org/topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal- 11-0#:~ text=UNEP's%20work%200n%20Goal%2011&text=UNEP%20is%20focused%20on%20enabling, who%2 Olive%20in%20informal%20settlements.

serve as shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized travelers.3 In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is urgently sought. Fias Peeranot 3 Slow Streets Program. (n.d.). https.7/www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL -2 P4:55 SENATE ----- S. No. 24 Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY ESTABLISHING A SAFE PATHWAYS NETWORK OF BICYCLE LANES, WALKWAYS AND SLOW STREETS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Walkable and Bikeable

2 Communities Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The Constitution mandates the State to protect

4 and advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in 5 accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The State also affirms the 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. It further acknowledges the need to address long-standing mobility issues. Towards this end, the State shall prioritize active transport which contributes to 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.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, these terms are defined

as follows:

(a) Active transport refers to physical activity undertaken as a means of transport, such as walking or cycling and the use of other non-motorized vehicles; (b) Electric personal mobility devices refer to any electric motorized device exclusively used for transporting an individual. This includes electric bicycles and electric kick scooters, excluding motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of transport; (c) End-of-trip facilities refer to facilities that cater to active transport users needs at their destinations, which may include shower and changing rooms, short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle repair stations, and lockers, among others; (d) 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 and small wheeled non-motorized transport, such as skateboards, push scooters, and handcarts; and (e) Slow streets refer to local roads providing safe and convenient access and use by restricting motor vehicle access, use, or speed limits on certain days or hours in 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. Safe Pathways Network. - Within twelve (12) months from the

effectivity of this Act, the Safe Pathways Network shall be established for the use of 23 active transport: Provided, That the use of electric personal mobility devices may be 24 allowed subject to the guidelines set by the LGUs, in consultation with the Department 25 of Transportation (DOTr). The Safe Pathways Network shall consist of the following: (a) Bicycle lanes. LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and create a network of bicycle lanes, which may be temporary or permanent in nature. The temporary lanes alternatively known as pop-up lanes shall be set up, whenever necessary, including during emergency situations: Provided, That along national roads in Metro Manila, the DOTr, in coordination with the DPWH and

the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), shall be the lead implementing agency. 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, as much as practicable, directly connect users to essential destinations, such as medical facilities, public and private facilities frequented by people, schools, and other similar places that may be identified. Motorcycles, tricycles, and other similar modes of transport, whether powered by fossil fuel or electricity, are prohibited from using the bicycle lanes unless otherwise designed for sharing with such modes of transport. (b) Walkways. Walkways shall be designated or constructed for the use of pedestrians, including the use of strollers and other children's mobility equipment. Walkways may also be shared with non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices, subject to the guidelines set by the LGUs and taking into account the safety of pedestrians. (c) Slow streets. To complement the network of bicycle lanes, LGUs shall create a designated network of people-oriented slow streets, which may be temporary or permanent, that will provide safe and convenient access and use of specific local roads. Speed limits, access on certain days or hours in the day by motorized vehicles in slow streets, 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 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 DPWH may provide assistance in the identification of slow streets.

Sec. 5. Institutional Facilities Pathways Priority. - LGUs shall coordinate with

public and private institutions within their jurisdiction, such as but not limited to healthcare facilities and institutions, schools, churches, and government offices, to

establish bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets that can connect and provide safe access for the employees, customers and clients of such institutions as well as the general public, and to encourage the establishment of end-of-trip facilities within such institutions. LGUs shall also support the installation of end-of-trip facilities, such as bike parking and showers, within or near these institutions.

Sec. 6. Traffic Rules and Regulations. - All users of non-motorized vehicles and

electric personal mobility devices shall, as far as applicable, obey traffic signals, signs and markers, road pavement markings, right-of-way, and other traffic rules and regulations. The LGUs, in consultation with the DOTr and other appropriate agencies, shall issue guidelines for the safe use of bicycle lanes and the use of non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices.

Sec. 7. Bicycle Racks and other End-of-Trip Facilities. - All public places,

government offices, schools, places of work, mass transit and public utility vehicle terminals, and commercial establishments, including but not limited to malls, banks, and hospitals, shall provide, as far as practicable, secure bicycle or multi-use racks and other end-of-trip facilities, as needed.

Sec. 8. Role of Public and Private Sectors. - Both 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. Further, the said sectors shall also provide, as far as practicable, additional support, benefits, subsidies, and training that will promote active transport. 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 DOTr, 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.

Sec. 10. Design and Construction of Permanent Bicycle Lanes and Walkways. -

Permanent bicycle lanes and walkways shall be designated 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, 7 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. The DPWH, in coordination with the DOTr and LGUs, shall revise its manuals 12 and guidelines for road design and construction to include non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices in the allocation of road space on national and local roads, and to promote the safety of active transport and electric personal mobility device users.

Sec. 11. Reportorial Requirement. - The DOTr shall submit an annual report to

17 Congress on the establishment and use of the Safe Pathways Network for purposes of policy formulation and determining funding requirements. The report shall include relevant data such as the number of users of active transport and electric personal mobility devices, and mapping of the Safe Pathways Network in the country. To this end, LGUs shall submit to the DOTr the relevant information needed to formulate the report.

Sec. 12. Sources of Funding. - The funds necessary for the implementation of

this Act shall be sourced from the amounts set aside by LGUs for infrastructure projects within their jurisdiction, as well as from the 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.

Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,