This guide sets out what we could find about cycling law and policy in the Philippines. The information was checked in November 2026. It is general information, not legal advice. Laws and local ordinances change, so confirm anything that matters to you with the agency or local government concerned.
One piece of advice does not depend on any law: wear a helmet on every ride.
The bike lane network
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), working with the Department of Public Works and Highways, has been building a network of bike lanes. The figures below come from news reports of the department’s numbers.
| As of | Length | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | 564 km in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao | Philippine Daily Inquirer |
| 2024 | About 812 km | Philippine Information Agency |
| September 2025 | 982 km in 34 cities and municipalities, at a cost of P5.08 billion | Manila Bulletin |
| Target for 2028 | 2,400 km | Manila Bulletin |
Metro Manila’s share is about 475 km, according to a Philippine Star report of July 2026. The same report notes that 982 km is 41 percent of the 2028 target.
A painted lane is a help, not a guarantee. Ride in it with the same care you would use anywhere else.
National Bicycle Day
Proclamation No. 1052, signed on November 18, 2020, declares the fourth Sunday of November each year National Bicycle Day. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources leads its observance. In 2026, the fourth Sunday is November 22.
The National Bicycle Organization is the advocacy group behind the day’s activities. We have not found a list of rides for 2026, so ask your local club, or look at our events page.
Helmets
National law
We found no national law that requires a helmet on a bicycle. A Manila Bulletin column from 2020 says there is none, and notes that Republic Act 10054 covers motorcycle riders only. Our check in November 2026 found no later national law.
A bill is pending. House Bill 5058, filed in the 20th Congress, would require bicycle helmets. A bill is not law until it is passed and signed.
City ordinances
Some cities require helmets by local ordinance. The same column names Iloilo City, Makati, Marikina and Quezon City.
Quezon City’s ordinance is the one we read. Ordinance SP-2942, Series of 2020, requires everyone riding a bicycle in the city to wear a helmet. The fines were first set at P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 for a first, second and third offense. A later ordinance, SP-2970, cut them to P300 for a first offense and P500 for a second. We could not confirm the amount for a third.
Quezon City also fines motorists who use or block bike lanes P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000, under Ordinance SP-2988, Series of 2020.
We did not find helmet or bicycle ordinances for the towns and cities of Pampanga. If you ride there, ask at the city or municipal hall.
Our advice
Wear a helmet on every ride, whatever the local rule. Choose one that fits snugly, sits level on your head and fastens under the chin. Replace it after any crash.
E-bikes are treated differently
An e-bike is not an ordinary bicycle in the eyes of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
- LTO Administrative Order 2021-039, dated May 11, 2021, classifies electric vehicles and sets a bicycle-type helmet for the lighter classes.
- LTO Administrative Order VDM-2024-044, dated February 21, 2024, requires registration for electric vehicles used on public highways, and motorcycle-type helmets for riders of two-wheeled electric vehicles.
- In Metro Manila, MMDA Regulation 24-002 bans e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts and kuligligs from national, circumferential and radial roads. Penalties were deferred in April 2024. The regulation is aimed at e-bikes, not ordinary bicycles.
We could not confirm how these rules are enforced today. If you own or plan to buy an e-bike, check with the LTO, and with the MMDA if you ride in Metro Manila.
Safe Pathways bills
Several bills in Congress would set up safer networks for walking and cycling. As far as we could find, none has become law.
- Senate Bill 1290 of the 19th Congress, the Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act, by Senator Pia Cayetano. The Senate’s library lists it as pending in the House, with a status date of September 28, 2022.
- House Bills 1968, 2571, 4271, 7863 and 9956 of the 20th Congress are listed as pending with the Committee on Transportation.
- House Bill 9956, filed on June 25, 2026, by Representative Jeffrey Soriano, would set up a nationwide Safe Pathways Network of bicycle lanes, walkways and slow streets.
- House Bill 7381, by Representative Galang, on urban walkability and safe pathways standards, was referred to two House committees on February 2, 2026.
For the current status of any bill, check the websites of the House of Representatives and the Senate.