Simple solutions tend to go a long way.

In keeping with this maxim, Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM Vargas has renewed his call for the immediate passage of the Philippine Bicycle Act, as he cited the urgent need for sustainable transport amid elevated prices of fuel.

Under House Bill (HB) No. 7106, Vargas proposes a multi-layered approach to the country’s transport crisis: promoting an environment-friendly and health-improving alternative to fuel-consuming vehicles, providing a cushion against rising oil prices, and decongesting urban roads.

“We believe that this is a viable solution to the challenges we are facing today. We not only help our environment, we also offer ways to lessen our dependence on imported oil while we improve our fuel and energy infrastructure,” said the second-term solon.

Vargas' call also coincides with the country’s observance of the Earth Month this April.

Data from 2023 shows that approximately 1.3 million private cars are registered in the Philippines, contributing to 34.8 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions.

This volume significantly drives both environmental degradation and the productivity-draining traffic congestion in highly urbanized cities.

Vargas noted that while the Philippines continues to lose billions in productivity to heavy traffic, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark have successfully enacted similar legislation to integrate bicycles into their national transport systems.

The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize and expand the bike lane networks initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which Vargas argues have already established the viability of cycling as a permanent transport solution.

“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,” he said.

The Quezon City lawmaker also called on the private sector to support the initiative by providing bike-friendly infrastructure, such as shower areas and lockers, in their offices.

To encourage participation, HB No.7106 offers tax incentives for employers, allowing expenses for bicycles and related facilities to be fully deductible from their gross income.

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 proposes the creation of a Local Bicycle Office (LBO) in every city and municipality to manage construction, maintenance, and the removal of obstructions from designated lanes.