MANILA, Philippines – If you've thought about trying out cycling, then World Bicycle Day is a good time to start.
The world celebrates World Bicycle Day every June 3. It is organized by the United Nations to encourage member states to consider cycling as a "simple, clean and environmentally fit” means of transportation that brings many health benefits. (READ: Biking to work? Here's what you should know)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. Cycling not only offers an alternative mode of transport, it also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other diseases.
In celebration of World Bicycle Day, events have been organized across the Philippines to encourage people to cycle more and push for infrastructure that will make it easier to use the bicycle as a mode of transportation.
Here is a running list of events and activities in the Philippines on World Bicycle Day:
Baguio
In Baguio, the local government signed an administrative order to pave the way for a bicycle fun ride and other activities lined up to celebrate World Bicycle Day in collaboration with different cycling groups.
Under the order, parking along Session Road will not be allowed on June 2 from 5 am to 12 am, since these spaces will be turned into bike lanes for the celebration.
Metro Manila
BikeScoutsPH partnered with Decathlon, Festival Mall, Filinvest City and Filinvest Lifemalls, Zion Emergency and Disaster Response Unit (ZEDRU) to encourage local governments and communities to adopt cycling and build cycling infrastructure as a means for inclusive mobility. They will celebrate it on Sunday, June 2, at the Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, with a variety of activities.
The acitivities include a World Bicycle Day party and World Bicycle Day Hour Challenge, where riders make as many laps as they can in an hour to set a personal record. People can also attend the event to test ride bicycles and scooters, and try out sports and wellness activities.
In Pasig, several groups will also conduct a bike ride on June 3.
Camarines Sur
On June 2, Oragon Bikers and other bike groups in Naga City and Camarines Sur will have a Unity Ride and Clean Up drive in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. The meet-up will be at San Felipe Gas Station near Cokeville at 5 am. Everyone is encouraged to bring garbage bags.
Eastern Samar
Promoting local tourism through biking, Borongan Bikers and Bike Scouts Borongan will visit Ganap Cave in Borongan City on Sunday, June 2, where the will enjoy a scenic bike ride and fresh buko juice. Assembly time is at 5 am at the back of Mayor Luis Capito Cultural Stage.
If you know of any related events and gatherings, make sure to tag @moveph or email move.ph@rappler.com! – Rappler.com