House passes bill on minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists

MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to make cycling safer in the country, the House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill that mandates a minimum overtaking distance between any part of the motorcycle and any part of the bicycle or its operators.

With 178 affirmative votes and zero negative votes or abstention, the chamber approved House Bill No. 8911 or the “Minimum Overtaking of Cyclists Distance Act” that mandates motor vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists on the road.

The proposed law also authorizes the Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Office, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police to lead the six-month nationwide information, education and communication campaign on the measure.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, principal author of the bill earlier said: “Cyclists nationwide have long been calling for motorists to share the road since our roads lack bicycle lanes.”

Bills like this aim to “make roads safer for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, with strict enforcement of road rules and better discipline from all road users,” Tinio added.

“The passage of this bill is one way of encouraging more people to take up cycling for better health, contribute to a cleaner environment, and cope with the rising transportation costs in our country,” he said./ac

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