By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Wednesday’s joint meeting, a substitute bill aimed at defining the rights of bicycle riders and institutionalizing bicycle usage as a primary mode of transportation was unanimously approved by Committee on Transportation chair and Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop and CIBAC Party-list Representative Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva.
The proposed “Philippine Bicycle Act” aims to promote the use of the bicycle as a tool to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly as it supports affordable and equitable access to mobility and environmental sustainability.
Said bill is formulated from the consolidation of 14 proposals—House Bills 40, 574, 1669, 1847, 3097, 4427, 4779, 4811, 5865, 6252, 7038, 7470, 7753, and 8168 spearheaded by Bataan 3rd District Rep. Maria Angela Garcia, head of the bicycle-centric bill’s technical working group (TWG).
The proposed bill envisions the shift of public infrastructure development to favor bicycles over automobiles, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the country’s transportation and roadway systems.
The measure also mandates the creation of a National Bicycle Program that shall cover plans and strategies for the construction, provision, and maintenance of bicycle lanes, parking areas and other support facilities, as well as standards for bicycles and regulations for the exercise and protection of the rights of cyclists.
Authors of the bill are Representatives Lord Allan Jay Velasco, France Castro, Rufus Rodriguez, Luis Raymund ‘LRay’ Villafuerte Jr., Camille Villar, Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr., Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Joseph Gilbert Violago, Rudys Caesar Fariñas I, Edwin Olivarez, Eduardo Rama, and Maria Rachel Arenas.
-iro