Top 6: PH's most bike-friendly cities
When some parts of Luzon transitioned to strict quarantine protocols due to COVID-19 earlier this year, it was an unusual sight to see the streets without traffic jams. At that time, any form of public transportation was not allowed. The most practical solution for many people to get to their daily errands: Hopping on their bikes.
There are many good reasons to start cycling, according to a Forbes article. Apart from it being good for the environment, it also helps one improve their focus, think smarter, better their sex life, and more.
With the World Car-Free Day concluded recently and with life on lockdown still imposed with no vaccine in sight, does biking exactly fit the Philippines' landscape mold? With the country's narrow roads and mostly poor ubran planning, biking seems to have a long way to go.
Still, given the hopefully short-term situation and for the longer run, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has called biking (and walking) "a viable addition and sustainable supplement to existing modes of transportation."
In any case, the Philippines still carries bike-friendly cities just waiting to be explored. Read (and ride) on!
Iloilo
Dubbed the biking capital of the Philippines, Iloilo boasts of an 11-kilometer bike lane that starts from the Diversion Road and extends to different areas of the city.
Marikina
Marikina City is not only famous for joggers but also cyclists, even those who are situated outside the vicinity.
Quezon City
The University of the Philippines Diliman campus has a two-kilometer bike lane equipped with a captivating view of nature.
Taguig
Bike-Friendly Taguig Ordinance
— I Love Taguig (@IloveTaguig1) June 3, 2020
On June 1, 2020,Taguig passed the “Bike-Friendly Taguig Ordinance,” which is part of the city’s push for biking as an important step in a bigger agenda to champion healthy and sustainable living. #WorldBicycleDay#SafeCity#ilovetaguig pic.twitter.com/ZbhvA75J6V
Taguig City’s 5.8-kilometer bike lane along the Laguna Lake Highway is also perfect for cycling enthusiasts. The city government also passed the “Bike-Friendly Taguig Ordinance” last June, in celebration of the World Bicycle Day.
Nuvali
While bike trails are still temporarily closed, bikers may still enjoy Nuvali’s lanes as long as they continue to follow health and safety protocols in the area.
Vigan
Vigan's Spanish rule-old Calle Crisologo allows bikers to explore the stunning car-less street and appreciate Spanish style architecture in all its glory.