Senator JV Ejercito rode his bike to work today. (Photo from Ejercito’s Twitter account)
MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito pushed for establishing a network of pop-up bicycle lanes and emergency pathways in a recently filed bill.
Ejercito said in a statement on Tuesday that he recently filed Senate Bill No. 393, which seeks to establish bicycle lanes and emergency pathways to promote safe alternative mobility.
The bill’s explanatory note read: “This legislation is one way to help unburden commuters who are choosing to ride their bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles in order to escape the worsening traffic and save money on fares and fuel, most especially now that prices of petroleum products have skyrocketed.”
Ejercito said that Filipinos find commuting more difficult because of the lack of efficient public transportation and worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila and nearby cities and provinces.
He added that this is why more citizens have turned to ride their bicycles and scooters, even with the relaxation of the community quarantine.
“In this legislation, the DOTr (Department of Transportation), DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), and with the help of the LGUs (local government units), will be responsible for the creation and proper implementation of this measure,” the senator said.
“On the other hand, bicycle and all other non-motorized vehicle riders are required to follow traffic rules and laws to promote the safety of everyone [on] the roads,” he added.
Ejercito recently tweeted a photo of himself and his bike in front of the Senate Building in Pasay City, following the opening of the 19th Congress, to promote “healthy and economical” modes of transportation. – Christine Annie Asistio, INQUIRER.net intern