CAGAYAN de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a measure that institutionalizes the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation and the funding of appropriate infrastructure and facilities for bicycle riders.

Rodriguez even said that bicycles are a good transportation option for the public, especially in this time of pandemic when the passenger capacity in public utility vehicles is limited.

According to Rodriguez, he filed House Bill 1669, or the “Philippine Bicycle Act” which seeks to define the rights of cyclists in the Philippines, including the establishment of bicycle lanes, bicycle parking areas, and other support infrastructure.

Under the bill, designated bike lanes shall be established on all primary and secondary roads for the exclusive use of cyclists. 

Further, all public places, government offices, schools, major business establishments, hospitals, and the like will be required by this bill to provide bicycle racks for bicycle parking. 

The bill also sees the inclusion of bicycles as a mode of transportation to be included in the National Transportation Plan.

This would mandate the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), to create a National Bike Program.

“The approval of this bill will also encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation which will reduce Filipinos’ reliance on motor vehicles and cars amidst the rising of fuel prices globally,” said Rodriguez adding that this will ultimately reduce traffic congestion and even promote a healthier lifestyle.

A Local Bicycle Office (LBO) will be created in every city or municipality that shall oversee the construction and maintenance of bike lanes, manage bike parks, and ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, among others.

HB 1669 also outlines different limitations on the use of bicycles such as capacity, proper road usage, and other limits that ensures the safety of everyone. 

Every cyclist must comply with the enumerated duties and obligations, including ensuring that their bicycles are fully equipped with basic bike accessories that are all in good running condition.

Cyclists must also be equipped with basic protective gear such as a helmet, reflectors, and bike lights.

“To guarantee the safety of cyclists and pedestrians alike, the bill also directs cyclists to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations, and drive responsibly with extreme care and caution,” Rodriguez said.

“Unfortunately, the victims in most road accidents are motorcycle and bicycle riders, we have to take appropriate measures, like the approval of this bill, to prevent further accidents that endanger the lives of many Filipinos who are merely trying to get from one place to another," he added.