MANILA — A party-list lawmaker at the House of Representatives is pushing for a measure requiring a minimum distance of 1.5 meters for motorists overtaking cyclists.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio has filed House Bill No. 8446, or the Minimum Overtaking Distance Bill, which aims to make cycling safer throughout the country. A copy of the bill was sent to the House media on Thursday.
In his explanatory note, Tinio cited Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) data from 2015 wherein more than 900 persons — or nearly three cyclists and other road users per day — were reported to have been involved in accidents in Metro Manila.
“One way to protect cyclists and other road users and encourage more people to take up cycling, whether for commuting, exercise, or leisure, is through the enactment of cycling safety laws and regulations,” Tinio said.
“Other countries have had positive experiences with the introduction of a mandated minimum overtaking distance, encouraging drivers to ‘stay wider of the rider’,” he added.
The bill seeks to penalize violators with a fine of PHP5,000 for the first offense; PHP10,000 for the second offense; PHP15,000 and suspension of driver’s license for three months for the third offense; and PHP20,000 and revocation of driver’s license for subsequent offenses.
The MMDA, the Philippine National Police, local government units and other concerned government units shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the proposed law. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)
