Neophyte Senator Mark A. Villar has filed a bill providing rights of bicycle riders and the establishment of a Local Bikeway Office (LBO) under the supervision of city and municipal engineering offices.

Villar, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary, said the LBO would be tasked to manage the construction and maintenance of a bikeway network including the identification of a bikeway roadmap.

He said he is certain that passage of the bill would boost bicycle use as an alternative transportation and it would provide additional safety interventions to ensure the protection of cyclists from danger.

“The bill seeks to provide a framework for a bicycle law on a national level so that Filipino commuters may find a cheaper alternative to get to their destination while saving the environment from harmful emissions,” Villar explained.

The bill enumerates the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of cyclists:

- Ride on any public road or street that has been designated as bikeway;

- Know the use of right and left turn signals;

- Adhere to the appropriate speed;

- Wear a helmet at all times, where the chin strap is securely fastened;

- Equip the bike with reflective materials when riding at night;

- Obey all traffic rules and regulations;

- Not riding on crosswalks or sidewalks, but only on bikeways;

- Not clinging to another vehicle; and;

- Not carrying more riders than the bike was designed for, unless they’re on a towed seat or trailer, among others

Given the surge in fuel prices in the global market, he said the need for the use of cost-efficient, cheaper and environmentally friendly transportation such as bicycles will help Filipino daily commuters.

Villar is a staunch supporter of the use of bicycle lanes during his term as DPWH chief.

He had issued a policy prescribing the standard design of bicycle lanes along national highways, in an effort to meet the needs and safe access of bicycle riders and other road users through Department Order No. 88, series of 2020.

Villar said he is certain that passage of the measure would boost bicycle use as an alternative transportation and would provide additional safety interventions to ensure the protection of cyclists from danger.