PARAÑAQUE 2nd District Rep. Brian Yamsuan has urged Congress to pass his measure institutionalizing active transport by creating pedestrian-friendly and safe “bike-able” pathways nationwide.
Under his House Bill 7863, or the “Safe Pathways Network Act,” cities and municipalities, in coordination with national government agencies, are mandated to identify and develop walkable and bike-friendly lanes in their respective localities.
In a statement on Tuesday, Yamsuan said that many Filipinos preferred to commute, bike, or walk to save money amid disruptions in global oil prices, which he said will not be the last.
“Our roads have been built mainly to favor cars, with sidewalks either too narrow or blocked, and bike lanes missing, disconnected, and unsafe,” Yamsuan, also vice chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, said.
He added that his bill recognizes the fact that most trips are not made by private vehicles.
“Millions of Filipinos commute and complete their journey on foot when they travel, while others prefer to use bikes. The problem is that our roads and sidewalks are not safe for them. This is what we want to change,” Yamsuan added.
Under the measure, local government units (LGUs), in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), shall identify and establish a temporary or permanent network of bicycle lanes.
For national roads in Metro Manila, bike lanes shall be done by the DOTr in coordination with the DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The LGUs are also tasked with designating or constructing walkways, which may be shared with non-motorized vehicles or personal mobility devices, considering pedestrians’ safety.
To complement these safe pathways, the bill also mandates LGUs to designate a network of temporary or permanent “slow streets” that will have limited access or speed limits for motorized vehicles on certain days or hours.
The government will also mandate public places, government offices, schools, places of work, and commercial establishments like malls, banks and hospitals to provide adequate racks and other end-of-trip facilities for bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles.
Yamsuan said that this is an “opportune time” to enact the Safe Pathways Act, considering that the current Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon has been pushing for safe and more inclusive public spaces for pedestrians and commuters.
Aside from helping cushion the impact of oil price shocks, Yamsuan said that establishing a network of walkable and bike-friendly pathways will also help ease traffic congestion, promote healthy lifestyles, and benefit the environment by lessening air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from motorized vehicles.
He also stressed that active transport is widely recognized as essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.