CYCLING, as a mode of transport, ticks all the right boxes, making it an ideal way to travel short distances.
Besides being able to wade through congested roads, and being eco-friendly with no carbon dioxide emission, cycling is also a good way to keep the body moving.
On Labor Day, cycling groups from different locations inside and outside of Metro Manila gathered to drive home that point in an advocacy ride in Quezon City.
Around 250 attendees came to participate in the bike ride that was followed by a short fun program at the last stop, Magdamag Cafe, South Triangle.
The City of Stars was hand-picked by the organizers to showcase its local government's efforts for the cycling community.
"Ang araw na ito ay para sa ating lahat, gusto natin ipakita kung gaano ka-suportado ng Quezon City ang mga siklista, ipinakita natin gaano kaligtas ang mga streets para sa mga bikers, lalo na sa mga nagb-bike to work," First Bike Ride founder Buji Babiera told SPIN.ph.
The route passed through UP Diliman, Quezon City Hall, Quezon Avenue, and Scout Triangle - places that had safety infrastructure installed making them optimal for bike commuters.
"Maraming lugar sa Metro Manila na unti-unti nang tinatanggal ang mga bike lanes, at may usapan pang pinagiisipang tanggalin ang bike lanes sa EDSA, that's why our visibility on the road is very important para makita ng people in power na meron pa ring gumagamit at nakikinabang," he continued.
First Bike Ride partnered with Esteban Cycling Community in organizing the event they took months to prepare for.
They were only expecting one-third of the attendees.
"It's more than what we expected, we're happy with how the event turned out," he said.
The locale's Green Transport Division, Department of Public Order and Safety, and the Traffic Management Office also coordinated to provide them protection during the ride.
"We wanted the participants to see how QC is consistently protecting vulnerable road users like us. We showed them what QC has to offer. QC should set an example as they're not afraid of experimenting for the cyclists," Babiera explained. "While there is a decrease in support in other cities, QC is paying more attention."
With the success of the event, Babiera looks forward to having more advocacy rides in the future.
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