Lawmaker pushes for Bicycle Act passage amid surging oil prices

A lawmaker has called for the passage of a Philippine Bicycle Act that provides for bike lanes and other bike-friendly infrastructure amid soaring fuel prices triggered by the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.

Quezon City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas made the proposal under House Bill 7106 which seeks to institutionalize and expand the bike lane networks initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic when mobility restrictions made cycling a viable mode of transportation.

House Bill 7106 also offers tax incentives for employers which will spend for buying bicycles and related bike-related facilities for their employees, such as shower areas and lockers, in their offices.

The tax incentives will be computed based on the company’s gross income.

“The goal is to promote a shift towards a safe, efficient, and non-polluting transportation system. It is time to make our roads inclusive for all users,” Vargas said in a statement.

“This way, we help our environment and lessen our dependence on imported oil at the same time,” Vargas added.

At the local level, Vargas has already introduced "Rent-a-Bike" bills in 14 barangays within Quezon City’s 5th District to demonstrate the feasibility of the program.

The bill also provides for the creation of a Local Bicycle Office in every city and municipality to manage the construction, maintenance, and the removal of obstructions from designated lanes.

There has been an exponential surge in oil prices since a US-Israel joint operation launched airstrikes on Iran last February 27, prompting Iran to retaliate by firing missiles at other oil-rich Middle East countries where the Philippines sources 98% of its crude oil supply. —VAL, GMA News