Republic of the Philippines

University of the Cordilleras

UC MODEL SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.

1 AN ORDINANCE PROMOTING SAFE CYCLING AND ACTIVE

2 TRANSPORT AS AN ALTERNATIVE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION IN
3 BAGUIO CITY, CREATING THE BICYCLE AND ACTIVE TRANSPORT
4 LANES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY

Authored by: Dave Jasm Matusalem Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod

Sponsored by: Ava Garcia Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod

5 WHEREAS Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code, empowers local
6 governments to exercise jurisdiction in improving policies promoting safe cycling and
7 active transport.
8
9 WHEREAS existing research has shown overwhelmingly that cycling lanes
10 improve mobility outcomes throughout a municipality/ city/ province by encouraging
11 citizens to adopt the less-congestive mode of cycling as transportation rather than
12 resorting to the more congestive mode of private motorized transport.
13
14 WHEREAS the perceived health risk brought on by the potential for physical
15 harm or exposure to pollution is the major deterrent in using a bicycle as a primary
16 and daily mode of transportation. A network of bike lanes should be installed
17 throughout the city as it has been demonstrated through decades of research and
18 proof that both problems can be lessened.
19
20 WHEREAS, cycling allows people of varying ages, physical abilities, and
21 economic conditions to access mobility using specially sized, modified, or improvised
22 bicycles and personal mobility devices. A network of cycling lanes would thus result
23 in the expansion of economic opportunity for all residents of Baguio City.
24
25 WHEREAS, cycling and active transportation address the limited availability of
26 public transport, especially for frontlines required to report to essential work. In the
27 context of COVID-19, it also ensures the avoidance of crowding in public
28 transportation settings and facilitates social distancing.
29
30
31
32 NOW, THEREFORE:
33
34 BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE 1ST UC MODEL SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD, IN
35 REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:
36
37 SECTION 1. Short Title – This ordinance shall be known as the “Baguio Safe
38 Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance of 2022.”
39
40 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – The use of active transportation
41 promotes the City's general welfare. The City hereby adopts the following policies
42 concerning the transportation system in our nation. It is hereby declared the policy
43 of the City Government that:
44
45 a) The city seeks to reduce carbon emissions by significantly providing
46 sustainable and environment-friendly mobility options by supporting active
47 transport in its transport plan.
48 b) Urban road space is a scarce commodity whose beneficial use must be
49 allocated judiciously and fairly for the greatest good. In a participatory
50 manner, the movement of people is the paramount priority.
51 c) City transport shall be guided by fairness and equity in funding utilities and
52 infrastructure, as well as maintaining them individuals or entities engaged in
53 activities imposing societal costs, such as congestion, pollution, and accident
54 risks will fairly compensate society.
55 d) The City shall promote a shift towards safe, cost-effective, efficient, non-
56 congestive, non-polluting, active transport in a seamless and inclusive
57 transportation system that prioritizes non-motorized and non-pollutive
58 transport.
59 e) The City shall increase mobility options of the general public and promote
60 sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, and public
61 transport.
62 f) The City shall properly plan and establish facilities and infrastructures to
63 support this transportation system shift.
64 g) The City shall measure and report on the performance of these measures, the
65 share and usage of the modes, the conditions of the infrastructure, and their
66 social, environmental, and economic impacts.
67
68 SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage - This Ordinance shall apply to government
69 offices, schools, academic institutions, hospitals, medical facilities, business
70 establishments, particularly malls, supermarkets, groceries, banks, restaurants,
71 major transport terminals, and other similar establishments, to promote safe cycling
72 and active transport in Baguio City while ensuring the safety and convenience of
73 cyclists and active transport users.
74
 75 SECTION 4. Definition of Terms – The following terms are defined and
76 understood as follows.
77
78 Active Transport - relates to physical transport means. It includes travel by foot,
79 bicycle, and other manual and electronic assisted modes of transportation such
80 as -bikes and e-kick scooters. Active Transport also includes the use of public
81 transport as it involves some walking or cycling to pick up and from drop-off
82 points.
83
84 Bicycle - A bicycle is a vehicle with at least two wheels propelled solely by the
85 muscular energy of the person riding that vehicle, mainly using pedals or hand-
86 cranks.
87
88 Bicycle Parking Areas - are designated spaces exclusive for parking bicycles,
89 scooters, e-bikes, kick scooters, and other active transport modes. They are
90 designed with metal railings in which the riding public can safely park and lock
91 their bicycles, scooters, or their electronic-assisted bikes or scooters.
92
93 Commuter - refers to a person that needs to travel from one place to another,
94 often using a combination of public transportation modes to get to their
95 destination.
96
97 Cycling Lanes - refers to a portion of the road, street, or path for the exclusive
98 use of bicycles and active transport, where private motorized vehicle is not
99 allowed.
100
101 Cyclist - a person is riding a bicycle, regardless of bicycle type.
102
103 E-Bike - electric-assisted bicycles with working pedals.
104
105 E-Kick Scooters - are electronic-powered stand-up scooters designed with a large
106 deck in the center on which the rider stands.
107
108 SECTION 5. Creation Of Baguio Bicycle and Active Transport Office –
109 The Baguio Bicycle and Active Transport Office (BBATO) shall be the principal office
110 responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of the promotion and
111 development of safe cycling and active transport in the City. It shall, among others,
112 ensure the availability of the appropriate infrastructure in key transport routes within
113 the jurisdiction of the City for the promotion of safe cycling and active transport, as
114 well as provide the necessary regulatory functions to ensure the safety of cyclists
115 and users of active transportation.
116
117 SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Baguio Bicycle and Active
118 Transport Office –
119
120 a) Prepare infrastructure plans for safe cycling and active transport,
121 particularly a cycling lane network and walking paths, public bike parking
122 spaces, as well as necessary signages based on this Ordinance.
123 b) Prepare the necessary guidelines that will ensure the safe use of cycling
124 lanes for cyclists and riders of other electronic-assisted modalities of
125 transportation; Develop and implement projects, programs, and activities
126 to: (1) support active transport, particularly hiking and walking; (2) inform
127 the public regarding active transport projects, programs and activities; (3)
128 ensure that law enforcement agencies strictly enforce traffic laws and limit
129 electronic assisted transport in cycling lanes to e-kick scooters and -bikes;
130 (4) oversee that law enforcement agencies safeguard unobstructed
131 cycling lanes and walking paths, particularly by sidewalk vendors or
132 vehicles; and (5) conduct information campaigns that shall encourage
133 switching from cars to bikes or other active transport modalities;
134 c) Develop a legislative agenda of supporting policies, resolutions, or
135 ordinances regarding active transport and monitor and assess the policy
136 framework, at least annually for possible improvement or enhancement.
137
138 SECTION 7. Budget – After receipt of said plans and cost estimates, the City
139 Budget Officer shall allocate funds from other budgets of the City to the amount
140 necessary therefore or include the costs therefore in the City’s annual or
141 supplemental budgetary appropriations for the year immediately succeeding the date
142 of approval of this ordinance.
143
144 SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations, And Incentives - The
145 Office of the City Mayor shall promulgate this ordinance's implementing rules and
146 regulations and provide, among others, incentives to ensure compliance by all
147 concerned and successful implementation thereof.
148
149 SECTION 9. Effectivity – This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its
150 approval.
151
152 Enacted,