Bill establishing safe pathways for bikers pushed in Senate

When public transport did not operate at full capacity at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Filipinos opted to ride bicycles, and more bike lanes were built.

Based on World Bank data, almost 500 kilometers of bike lanes were opened in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao within 9 months.

One of those who started biking to work amid the pandemic is Dex Danao.

According to Mav Gonzales’ report on “24 Oras Weekend," Danao bikes from Tatay, Rizal to Ortigas when going to work.

While he avoided the high cost of gasoline and fares, Danao said he still faces danger when cycling.

He shared one instance when he was almost hit by a car as it entered the bike lane.

“Nu’ng nag-Alert Level 1 na, siguro ‘yung biyahe ko ng pag-ba-bike from 30 minutes naging 45 minutes to 1 hour. Kasi kahit sabihin natin na may bike lane, hindi mo rin talaga maiiwasan ang mga motor na pumapasok sa bike lane,” he said.

(When Alert Level 1 was in effect, maybe my bike ride went from 30 minutes to 45 minutes to 1 hour. Even if we say there is a bike lane, you cannot really avoid motorcycles entering bike lanes.)

“Siyempre kasi ma-traffic nga, so sila rin ay gumagawa ng way para at least makakaiwas sila sa traffic. So nababarahan ang bike lane… pagod ka na nga na-traffic pa rin,” he added.

(Of course, there would be traffic. So, they will also find a way so they could at least avoid the traffic. So, bike lanes got blocked… you became exhausted due to traffic.)

SB 1290

Danao said he was in favor of Senate Bill 1290 or the “Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act.”

With 21 affirmative votes, the Senate last week passed SB 1290 on third and final reading.

The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize active transport by establishing a safe pathway network of bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets.

Under SB 1290, the Safe Pathways Network will be created within 12 months of the effectivity of the proposed measure for the use of active transport and electric personal mobility devices.

SB 1290 defines active transport as a physical activity undertaken as a means of transport, such as walking, cycling, or using other non-motorized vehicles.

The Safe Pathways Network shall consist of bike lanes, walkways, and slow streets or local roads providing safe and convenient access and use by restricting motor vehicle access, use, or speed limits on certain days or hours of the day.

The bill provides that all users of non-motorized vehicles and electric personal mobility devices shall, as far as applicable, obey traffic rules and right-of-way.

The measure will be funded by amounts set aside by the local government units for infrastructure projects within their jurisdiction and the appropriations from the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works and Highways as provided by the annual national budget.

The bill is in line with the government's policy to improve infrastructure and a change in mindset to encourage and accommodate sustainable and healthy modes of active transport and to provide safe and convenient pathways for commuters.

“If we plan better, more people will be able to use bikes until we are able to fix our transportation system. And one step in the right direction is active transport. Then we will continue to deprive our people the kind of health that they deserve to have,” said Senator Pia Cayetano, the bill’s sponsor.

Bike ramps in QC

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government announced that it had installed bike ramps at the Quezon Memorial Circle and 40 other footbridges around the city.

The local government said this is one of its ways to ensure bikers’ safety and encourage others to cycle.

“Kasi noong nakaraan po, pumunta ako dito, binuhat ko pa po [ang bike ko]. Tapos ngayon, tinutulak na lang po. Mas napadali na lang ang trabaho at saka hindi na nahihirapan iakyat po,” one biker said.

(Because last time, when I came here, I needed to carry [my bike]. Now, I just need to push it. Biking has become easier and now it's not difficult to climb the stairs with my bike.)

“Nakatulong naman. Kaya lang kailangan talaga [dalawang bike ramp] kasi may purpose din naman ‘yung kaliwa ka, kanan ka. Minsan kasi ang hirap niya kapag kaliwete ka,” another biker added.

(The bike ramps helped. But we really need two bike ramps because there are those who are right-handed and left-handed. Sometimes, it’s hard if you are left-handed.) — Mel Matthew Doctor/DVM, GMA News