MANILA — A lawmaker is calling for the passage of a Philippine Bicycle Act to expand bike lanes and promote cycling as fuel prices continue to surge due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.

Quezon City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas made the proposal through House Bill 7106, which aims to institutionalize and widen bicycle lane networks first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mobility restrictions made cycling a practical transportation option.

The proposed measure also seeks to grant tax incentives to employers that invest in bicycles and bike-related facilities for their workers, including showers and lockers in office spaces. These incentives will be computed based on a company’s gross income.

“The goal is to promote a shift towards a safe, efficient, and non-polluting transportation system. It is time to make our roads inclusive for all users,” Vargas said in a statement.

“This way, we help our environment and lessen our dependence on imported oil at the same time,” Vargas added.

At the local level, Vargas has introduced “Rent-a-Bike” measures in 14 barangays in Quezon City’s 5th District to demonstrate the program’s viability.

The bill also proposes the establishment of a Local Bicycle Office in every city and municipality. These offices will oversee the construction and maintenance of bike lanes, as well as ensure that designated routes remain free from obstructions.

The proposal comes as oil prices continue to climb following a US-Israel joint operation that launched airstrikes on Iran on February 27. Iran responded by firing missiles at other oil-producing countries in the Middle East, a region that supplies 98% of the Philippines’ crude oil.