Biking in the New Normal Mode of Transpo | Deathmarked: Magic: the Gathering Iloilo and Other Stuff to Think About

This current pandemic has made a great impact on the world, in particular, in the socializing of people to consider the prevention of the spread of COVID19. Mass gatherings have been prohibited as well as the use of public transportation is limited and is where social distancing should be practiced. One variable means of transportation that has been the topic in the meetings and discussions of the concerned agencies is the use of bicycles.

This adaptation to the ‘new normal’ however, may require infrastructure support as most of the cities in the country are leaned more on motorized transportation. The good thing here in Iloilo City is that biking has been in support and being promoted by the local government. There are a few annual events such as Iloilo Bike Festival in the goal to be the most bike-friendly city in the country. This would be highly reinforced now that it is considered as part of the new normal mode of transportation.

The question here is how the LGU will plan out its implementation, in terms of infrastructure, and policy formulation. Currently, only a few streets in the city proper area had been installed with bike lanes to be utilized by the biking public and also the bike lane along Diversion Road. I have yet to see more bicycle racks for parking and probably public shower rooms provided by their offices.

As for me, I have yet to decide if I will finally purchase a bike to use to travel to work as I still think most roads here have no bike lanes and the motorist are not yet adapted to share the road with the bikers. We shall see, however, once this new normal as a result of this pandemic can be implemented on a full scale.