Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Michael Defensor has sought the implementation of a cycling infrastructure development plan amid the continued rise in fuel prices and increase in the number of working Filipinos opting the use of bicycles to avoid exposing themselves to COVID-19.

Defensor filed House Bill 10396 proposing to direct government to design, construct and/or designated a network of lanes and pathways along primary and secondary roads for the exclusive use of bikers.

“We want the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways to work together in creating a safe and seamless travel environment for bicycle riders,” stated Defensor.

HB 10396 directs the two departments to establish parking racks, off-street shelters, service centers as well as specialized traffic signs and signals for use of cyclists.

It also mandates the two agencies to ensure the safety of pedestrians by carrying out sidewalk upgrades and bicycle crossing improvements.

To be known as the Bike Friendly Communities Act, HRB 10396 provides that “all public places, government offices, schools, major business establishment, including malls, banks restaurants, hospitals and the like” must put up bicycle parking racks for cyclists.

Defensor said the bill will also impose that bicycle parking facilities :should be secure, visible, accessible and not in the way of pedestrians and motor vehicles.” Meanwhile, Defensor, a former Quezon City congressman, said he intends to transform the city “into the most bike-friendly city in Metro Manila.” “We envision the city having the best system of bicycle lanes and parking ervices integrated with commuter hubs such as light rail transit terminals,” he said.

A mayoral aspirant in the city, Defensor said: “Through a certification process, we want Quezon City to have the most bicycle friendly workplaces and malls.”