I.C.E. - Three Challenges to a cycling culture
Published May 24, 2020 12:00 am
#ASKGOYO
By ATTY. GREGORIO LARRAZABAL
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Cycling as a means of transportation is being talked more often these days, and we see more and more people using bicycles. We hear from bicycle shops that entry-level bicycles, some of which cost P8,000, are flying off their shelves. There is momentum in the push for a cycling culture in the Philippines. But there are still challenges (which can be overcome). I’ve tried to divide the challenges into three.
Infrastructure
I’ve discussed this several times already. Infrastructure is very important. But it includes both PUBLIC and PRIVATE infrastructure. Public infrastructure is what everyone talks about. Bike lanes, bike routes, public barriers to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Many focus their discussion on these things. However, the private infrastructure modifications are equally important. These include: safe parking spaces for bicycles (there is a real fear of bicycles being stolen when you park it and leave them there for 30 minutes or hours) in workplaces, malls, office buildings, hospitals / medical facilities, and other places; shower facilities for employees to use when they get to the office; lockers to store their bags, cycling apparel, and other belongings. There’s a responsibility not only with the government, but the private sector as well, to ensure the infrastructure and facilities are in place to encourage people to use a bicycle as a means of transportation.
Culture/mindset
This is the biggest challenge which could take some time to change. People just aren’t used to bicycles as a means of transportation in the Philippines. For many, riding a bicycle means you don’t have enough money to buy a motorcycle or car to use. In short, you’re riding a bicycle because you’re poor. THAT’S WRONG. That has to change. But it will take time to change that. It’s not something you can simply wish for it to happen. It has to be a collective effort to make it happen by doing it constantly and consistently. Sooner or later, it becomes a habit, and more and more people will get to accept it, understand it, and respect it.
With many prominent scientists predicting the virus being here to stay for some time, physical distancing will be a way of life. Let’s all work together to make cycling culture as part of our way of life. It’s one of the tools to helping us win the battle against SAR-CoV-2 and its possible mutations.
Environment
As compared to countries in Europe where cycling is a way of life and cycling to work is normal even for elected officials, in the Philippines, it’s much hotter. Even in Vietnam where a lot of people cycle to work, the weather is cooler, compared to the Philippines. So that’s the first complaint of people who are considering cycling to work. It’s either that, or they’re afraid of the typhoon season when they’ll get wet.
But there are ways around it. Apparently, if you ride a bicycle to work and get in the office before 7:30 a.m. (when the sun is up), you’ll not sweat as much. So that’s a good thing. When you get to the office, you can park your bicycle, take a shower, and change, and by 8:00 a.m., you’ll be ready for a full day of work.
One thing a friend pointed out is that most of the people who’ve been commuting by bicycle for years are physically fit. Many of those who are just starting to ride a bicycle, or get back to cycling, might be a tad bit overweight. So, expect to sweat more than those who’ve been doing it regularly. The upside to it though, is that by doing it regularly, albeit instead of just cycling to the office, cycling around the village, you’ll be healthier and shed some excess weight.
As a rule, I encourage people to hydrate often while riding a bicycle. Regularly take sips of water every 10-15 minutes. Not one big gulp, at one time.
One thing which is extremely important: PLEASE get used to wearing a mask while doing strenuous activity. For those getting into cycling, or will be doing it more regularly, your body is not used to you cycling, so you’ll need more air. Wearing masks restrict air flow, and it may feel that you’ll be gasping for air when you’re cycling while wearing a mask. I rode a bicycle to a meeting last week, and what should have been a leisurely ride, turned out to be quite painful because I was using an N95 mask. I had to stop regularly to catch my breath. If you feel some difficulty in breathing while cycling using a mask, feel free to stop often (where there are no people beside you) and lift out your mask to allow yourself to breathe. It will take time to adjust and remember not to push it. If in doubt, stop. Personally, I think a good option is to wear a cloth mask or surgical mask while cycling and have an N95 mask in your bag to use when you meet people or you’re already in your office. You’re not going to be near anyone while cycling, and it is VERY IMPORTANT to be able to breathe comfortably while cycling.
Just remember ICE as we move into the cycling culture.
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Cycling as a means of transportation is being talked more often these days, and we see more and more people using bicycles. We hear from bicycle shops that entry-level bicycles, some of which cost P8,000, are flying off their shelves. There is momentum in the push for a cycling culture in the Philippines. But there are still challenges (which can be overcome). I’ve tried to divide the challenges into three.
Infrastructure
I’ve discussed this several times already. Infrastructure is very important. But it includes both PUBLIC and PRIVATE infrastructure. Public infrastructure is what everyone talks about. Bike lanes, bike routes, public barriers to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Many focus their discussion on these things. However, the private infrastructure modifications are equally important. These include: safe parking spaces for bicycles (there is a real fear of bicycles being stolen when you park it and leave them there for 30 minutes or hours) in workplaces, malls, office buildings, hospitals / medical facilities, and other places; shower facilities for employees to use when they get to the office; lockers to store their bags, cycling apparel, and other belongings. There’s a responsibility not only with the government, but the private sector as well, to ensure the infrastructure and facilities are in place to encourage people to use a bicycle as a means of transportation.
Culture/mindset
This is the biggest challenge which could take some time to change. People just aren’t used to bicycles as a means of transportation in the Philippines. For many, riding a bicycle means you don’t have enough money to buy a motorcycle or car to use. In short, you’re riding a bicycle because you’re poor. THAT’S WRONG. That has to change. But it will take time to change that. It’s not something you can simply wish for it to happen. It has to be a collective effort to make it happen by doing it constantly and consistently. Sooner or later, it becomes a habit, and more and more people will get to accept it, understand it, and respect it.
With many prominent scientists predicting the virus being here to stay for some time, physical distancing will be a way of life. Let’s all work together to make cycling culture as part of our way of life. It’s one of the tools to helping us win the battle against SAR-CoV-2 and its possible mutations.
Environment
As compared to countries in Europe where cycling is a way of life and cycling to work is normal even for elected officials, in the Philippines, it’s much hotter. Even in Vietnam where a lot of people cycle to work, the weather is cooler, compared to the Philippines. So that’s the first complaint of people who are considering cycling to work. It’s either that, or they’re afraid of the typhoon season when they’ll get wet.
But there are ways around it. Apparently, if you ride a bicycle to work and get in the office before 7:30 a.m. (when the sun is up), you’ll not sweat as much. So that’s a good thing. When you get to the office, you can park your bicycle, take a shower, and change, and by 8:00 a.m., you’ll be ready for a full day of work.
One thing a friend pointed out is that most of the people who’ve been commuting by bicycle for years are physically fit. Many of those who are just starting to ride a bicycle, or get back to cycling, might be a tad bit overweight. So, expect to sweat more than those who’ve been doing it regularly. The upside to it though, is that by doing it regularly, albeit instead of just cycling to the office, cycling around the village, you’ll be healthier and shed some excess weight.
As a rule, I encourage people to hydrate often while riding a bicycle. Regularly take sips of water every 10-15 minutes. Not one big gulp, at one time.
One thing which is extremely important: PLEASE get used to wearing a mask while doing strenuous activity. For those getting into cycling, or will be doing it more regularly, your body is not used to you cycling, so you’ll need more air. Wearing masks restrict air flow, and it may feel that you’ll be gasping for air when you’re cycling while wearing a mask. I rode a bicycle to a meeting last week, and what should have been a leisurely ride, turned out to be quite painful because I was using an N95 mask. I had to stop regularly to catch my breath. If you feel some difficulty in breathing while cycling using a mask, feel free to stop often (where there are no people beside you) and lift out your mask to allow yourself to breathe. It will take time to adjust and remember not to push it. If in doubt, stop. Personally, I think a good option is to wear a cloth mask or surgical mask while cycling and have an N95 mask in your bag to use when you meet people or you’re already in your office. You’re not going to be near anyone while cycling, and it is VERY IMPORTANT to be able to breathe comfortably while cycling.
Just remember ICE as we move into the cycling culture.