Sans nationwide bike lanes, solon moves to ensure road safety for cyclists

A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to protect cyclists and directing motor vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking bicycle riders on the road.

ACT-Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio filed House Bill 8446 or the Minimum Overtaking Distance bill on October 10 to ensure safety of cyclists, whom he described as “among the most vulnerable road users.”

“In the absence of a nationwide network of cycling-friendly lanes, cyclists share the road with motor vehicles, exposing them daily to the risk of serious injury or death,” Tinio said in filing the bill.

Aside from the minimum overtaking distance, the bill also mandates the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Philippine National Police to conduct a nationwide information and education campaign for six months from enactment of the measure.

Fines ranging from P5,000 up to P20,000, and possible revocation of driver’s license await violators.

Being a long-time cyclist himself, the lawmaker cited how it can be dangerous for bike riders to traverse thoroughfares in the country.

Citing MMDA’s 2015 data, Tinio noted that 26 cyclists and one pedestrian were recorded killed while at least 932 were injured in various bicycle-related road accidents.

“Lives can be saved through new road rules, such as the Minimum Overtaking Distance law, rigorous enforcement of these rules by traffic authorities, and better discipline from drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users,” he said.

Tinio also underscored that passage of this bill could encourage more people to ride bicycles for “better health and a cleaner environment” amid the rising transportation costs in the Philippines.  /kga

Read the proposed measure here: Minimum Overtaking Distance bill