NextGen Day

A bicycle is now used for more than just transportation and enjoyment.

The two-wheeled vehicle has evolved into a vital mode of transportation since it is less expensive, requires less upkeep, and can avoid heavy traffic.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority, bicycle imports increased by 112 percent to 2.1 million in 2020 from roughly 1 million units shipped to the country in 2019, during the three years since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic broke out and movement was nearly at a standstill.

87 percent of Filipinos, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, prefer bicycles and public transportation to private automobiles.

7.3 million households have bicycles as of April of last year, an increase of one million since SWS’s May 2021 total of 6.2 million homes.

Senator Raffy Tulfo stated that the government must establish a local bikeways office (LBO) to oversee the construction of bike-related infrastructures when he introduced Senate Bill 1698, also known as the Bicycle Act.

“People started riding bicycles for transportation, exercise instead of going to the gym and to get some fresh air as a result of the pandemic. Commuters around the world have started using bicycles to get around during the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to stay healthy and avoid infection, according to the bill’s explanatory note.

The legislation will modernize municipal laws that, for example, allowed bicycle lanes to be used on all streets, avenues, alleys, walkways, bridges, parks, and other public areas in Marikina City in 1996.

Since then, especially after the pandemic when the demand for bicycles increased, other cities and municipalities have modeled themselves after Marikina.

The measure aims to set up a framework for a national bicycle law so that Filipino commuters can choose a less expensive way to get where they need to go while protecting the environment from hazardous emissions.

The measure mandates that bicycle lanes or bikeways, designated by the LBO and under the direction of the city or municipal engineering office, be installed on all major roads and highways.

The LBO will be a department within the city or municipal engineering office and will oversee the development and upkeep of a network of bikeways, including the creation of a roadmap for the bikeways; establish the provision of secure and well-placed parking lots, road signage, and maps; encourage collaboration with domestic and international organizations to make bicycle access simple; and conduct informational and educational activities.

Within 60 days, the LBO shall keep and maintain a bicycle registration.

Every city or municipality is required to offer parking places, which are paid for by the local government unit by allocating 30% of their income from unrelated sources like parking and license fees.

In addition to adhering to the rules of the road, the cyclist is required to keep one hand on the handlebar at all times, wear a helmet properly with the chin strap fastened, refrain from clinging to other vehicles while in the designated bikeway, park only in areas that have been designated for that purpose, avoid riding on sidewalks and crosswalks, and not carry anything on the bicycle unless it is in a basket, bag, rack, or trailer made specifically for that purpose.

Under the law, it is illegal to ride modified bicycles on bikeways or to grip the handlebars with your hands higher than your shoulders. It is also illegal to own or have custody of a bicycle with a serial number that has been removed, altered, covered, or defaced. Finally, it is illegal to ride a bicycle faster than is reasonable.

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