In the urgent quest to mitigate climate change, sustainable transportation alternatives play a pivotal role in curbing carbon emissions. Among these alternatives, the humble bicycle emerges as a powerful and accessible solution. Beyond its simplicity and efficiency, the bicycle offers a zero-emission mode of transportation that resonates with environmentally conscious individuals and communities.

This eco-friendly choice not only addresses the immediate need for reducing carbon footprints but also contributes to a broader shift in societal attitudes toward sustainable living. This brief exploration delves into how embracing bicycles as a means of transportation can significantly diminish carbon emissions and foster a more sustainable and healthy future for our planet.

Using bicycles as a mode of transportation can significantly reduce carbon emissions in several ways:

1. Zero Emissions – Bicycles are human-powered, meaning they do not produce any emissions during operation. Unlike motorized vehicles that burn fossil fuels, bicycles rely on human energy, making them a zero-emission mode of transportation.
2. Energy Efficiency – Bicycles are highly energy-efficient. The energy input required to propel a bicycle is much lower than that of a motorized vehicle. This efficiency contributes to a reduction in overall energy consumption and, consequently, a decrease in carbon emissions.
3. Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels – By choosing bicycles over cars or motorcycles, individuals reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. The production and consumption of fossil fuels are major contributors to carbon emissions. Bicycles offer a sustainable alternative that doesn’t rely on non-renewable resources.
4. Minimal Manufacturing Impact – The production of bicycles has a relatively low environmental impact compared to the manufacturing processes involved in creating motorized vehicles. Bicycles generally require fewer raw materials and energy during production, resulting in lower carbon emissions associated with their manufacturing.
5. Reduced Traffic Congestion – Bicycles take up less space on the road and in parking areas. As more people choose bicycles for short-distance commuting, there is potential for reduced traffic congestion. This not only leads to time savings for commuters but also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the transportation system by decreasing idling times and fuel consumption.
6. Health Benefits Encourage Active Living – Choosing bicycles promotes a healthier lifestyle by encouraging physical activity. As more people engage in cycling, there is a potential decrease in the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and related health issues. This indirect effect contributes to a healthier population, which may, in turn, reduce the overall healthcare-related carbon footprint.
7. Lower Infrastructure Impact – Building and maintaining bicycle infrastructure, such as bike lanes, is generally less resource-intensive than constructing and maintaining roads for motorized vehicles. This can result in lower carbon emissions associated with the development and upkeep of transportation infrastructure.
8. Positive Environmental Awareness – The choice to use bicycles reflects a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. This awareness can contribute to a broader cultural shift toward environmentally conscious choices, encouraging others to consider low-carbon transportation options.

In summary, using bicycles as a mode of transportation reduces carbon emissions by promoting a zero-emission, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to motorized vehicles. The environmental benefits extend beyond the direct impact on carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable and healthier urban environment.

Iloilo City, dubbed the “Bike Capital of the Philippines”, is continuously maintaining the title with the coordination of the local government unit and also with several group advocates and cyclists. It started with the need for a mode of transportation during the height of the pandemic and flourished riding a bicycle into a sort-of-a lifestyle for most people.

Iloilo City is considered a bikeable city due to several factors that promote and support cycling as a means of transportation. Here are some reasons why:

1. Infrastructure: Iloilo City has been investing in the development of bike-friendly infrastructure. Dedicated bike lanes, bike racks, and bike-sharing programs have been implemented to encourage safe and convenient cycling.
2. Bike-friendly roads: The city has been improving its road infrastructure to accommodate cyclists. Iloilo has an 11-kilometer bike lane that stretches out from Diversion Road to selected city roads. Some city roads have implemented designated bike lanes, while others have installed traffic-calming measures to enhance the safety of cyclists.
3. Urban planning: Iloilo City has integrated urban planning strategies that prioritize non-motorized transportation, including bicycles. The city aims to create a more walkable and bikeable environment by reducing reliance on cars and promoting sustainable transportation options.
4. Government support: The local government of Iloilo City has shown support for cycling as a mode of transport. They have implemented policies and initiatives to encourage cycling, such as bike-to-work programs, cycling events, advocacy campaigns, and even established the Iloilo City Bike Council to oversee these initiatives.
5. Cultural acceptance: Cycling has become increasingly popular in Iloilo City, and the community has embraced it as a viable mode of transportation. This cultural acceptance creates a positive environment for cyclists, fostering safety and mutual respect on the roads.
6. Compact city design: Iloilo City’s relatively compact layout makes it conducive for cycling. The city center and key destinations are within reasonable biking distance, reducing the need for long car journeys and promoting cycling as a convenient option.
7. Health and environmental benefits: Cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle and helps reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Iloilo City recognizes these benefits and encourages cycling to improve public health and sustainability.

These factors combined make Iloilo City a bikeable city, offering residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable cycling experience while promoting a more sustainable and livable urban environment.

Below is a sample cycling video and uploaded to my Youtube channel I took when I did a bike-to-work from my apartment in Lapaz passing the downtown up to the Iloilo City Hall.

Iloilo City is an exceptionally urbanized region that is made out of six political districts. The biggest locale is Jaro, which involves 39% of the all-out land space of 2,672.00 hectares. The City Proper is the smallest region which has an absolute land space of 413.50 hectares and establishes just six percent of the whole of Iloilo City.

The City Proper, being the current focal business region, is the place where the majority of the daytime populace is go-to for the day-by-day work. Accordingly, the movement trips coming all through this space are exceptionally high, and the normal traffic is practically present, particularly during top hours. Commuting via jeepney is one of the fundamental methods of transportation going to the city legitimate, yet considering that the pandemic struck and social distancing is one of the primary concerns, the quantity of units lessens to about 40% as it were.

Individuals were thinking about different modes for them to effortlessly go to work and the pattern presented was through cycling or bicycle to work. Additionally, this got the help of the Iloilo City Government by opening a portion of the Esplanades as bicycle courses circumventing the city.

Through the years, the Iloilo City LGU supported biking not only for leisure but for the daily commute. Councilor Jay Treñas acted on his legislative powers by passing an ordinance requiring all buildings in the city to install bike racks. There were also several activities such as fun rides by various groups and NGOs promoting the bike culture in the city.

Biking to work here in Iloilo City is beginner-friendly, even if the bike lane network is not yet fully established. All of you need to have a bicycle, which, obviously, genially kept, a helmet for protection in case of accidents, and your rucksack or a carriage for one. Likewise, remember to carry spare clothes to change if the climate is warm while you travel.

Let say you are staying in the Jaro area, and the distance to your office is around 5 to 6 kilometers. Utilize a bicycle. Significant streets are crossing from Tabuc Suba going to the Jaro Plaza, and afterward directly to the city downtown by traversing through Luna Street. You can likewise take the Ungka course, where the longest bicycle lane is found going Diversion Road, and to the stoplight UP Visayas region where you can take Gen. Luna Street or Delgado road.

In my case since I am coming from the Lapaz area near the market and Gaisano city, I just cross the bridge and head over to Bonifacio Drive and Iznart street. I have already reached the downtown area. See this video below.

Overall, the mindset of biking to work in Iloilo City is more of a convenience as it gets you to the office quicker, and you get to exercise while enjoying the city scenery along the way. More and more Ilonggos are already into this and you should too.

*header image from Panay News Website.

Yesterday I decided to pass by the bike lanes in the Iloilo City General Luna street area during the rush hours in the afternoon after our office in the City Hall. That is after my objective of dropping by the local game store to give the Magic: the Gathering foil promo packs won by the teammate which he sold to another local player.

From the Iloilo Terminal Market area, I went to Jalandoni Street then going to Gen. Luna street and found somewhat standstill traffic as a lot of vehicles were lining up on the intersection of these roads. I just then realized that the bridge going to Brgy. Nabitasan is under repair and is closed to traffic.

That was my intended route going to the Diversion road. I then saw that beside it is the connecting esplanade bike lanes and so after passing through a short stall of traffic, I got off my bike and carried it up the stairs into the oval area. It was quite satisfying to get out of that traffic and maybe people can notice the benefits of having the esplanade bike lanes there. Now I get to pass by that bike lane route going to the Diversion road and also I was able to check the connecting bike lane along the bridge and to observe the bike traffic on those hours.

I then pedaled through the main bike lane in Diversion Road wherein the plan was to go to Akamon Ramen Bar to try their new Curry Ramen. It was my cravings during these past weeks so that was the ideal time to go there. A few bikers were going home from work and also some joggers who are enjoying the afternoon exercising because of no rain. That was quite a break after almost a month of rainy afternoon weather.

Going back, I know that the SM Strata bike rack was placed on the second floor so I had to a short bike climb going there and I think that was impractical and unfriendly for the bikers as we are not using motorized vehicles that can easily climb up the ramp on to the 2nd-floor parking. There were a few bikes parked there when I arrived and I am sure they also faced the same problem. I have raised this concern to the Iloilo BIke City FB group and hopefully, some officials can take notice and do the necessary actions.

Anyhow, to wrap up the day, a bowl of Akamon’s Curry Ramen to satisfy and lived up to the expectations. This premium dish is priced for only P250 so grab one today. Akamon Ramen Bar is located on the ground floor of SM Strata and can be easily spotted from the bike lane.

Overall, these bike lanes are expected to garner more bike traffic in the coming months as the new normal lifestyle, and people appreciating the benefits of bicycles in their daily routines. Some parts of these lanes also need repairs and maintenance as I’ve noticed broken and disconnected bricks that may cause harm for bikers if they stepped into it. Also, the plants should be trimmed as some of their branches are already inside the lane and hinders the passageway. 

I appreciate all of the continuous support of the local government and I do hope that more programs and projects will come to fruition so that Iloilo City can truly deserve its title of becoming the bike capital of the country.

*banner image from Iloilo Metropolitan Times

I have been watching biking in long rides on Youtube and was quite amazed as to how these riders’ endurance can get to the distance going in far municipalities and towns. I then wondered if I am ready for one when I bought the folding bike two months ago. I had doubts if I can get through the hardships of pedaling continuously while enduring the heat of the sun and being careful and wary of other vehicles on the highway. This is a city bike that I am using and not built for long rides. Also, the reason is that I didn’t have enough gears (clothing and stuff) to be prepared after and while riding to the designated town.

I got finally convinced by a former classmate in DURP to join him on his Saturday long ride going to the town of Dingle. At first, I was somewhat anxious because of being a first-timer, but later on, enjoyed the ride while meeting the other riders along the way. It was a new challenge for me, especially that it was my birthday at that time. I took it as sort of the next thing to cross out of my checklist.

Later on, the next ride followed, and it was going to the town of Lambunao. It was probably the hardest long ride I’ve taken to date. It was a total of about 120 kilometers back-and-forth with route from Tabuc Suba to Leganes, Zarraga, Pototan, Lambunao, Janiuay, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, and back to Tabuc Suba Jaro.

I decided to go solo on my third long ride, going to my hometown Alimodian. I finally get to visit there months after the start of the pandemic. This time, I think my legs got used to all the hardships endured in the Lambunao trip and so this ride was smoother, and that the town has a low elevation, unlike the previous ones. Even when riding slow (as I only have a max of 6 speed in the gear), I enjoyed the morning breeze and seeing the changes in the places and towns prior.

I would expect more long rides in the future as it was fun going to nearby towns to check on their tourist spots and the food of course. These long rides seemed to be addicting that I might have a vlog series on this soon so just stay tuned.

That is a wrap. Until the next blog post.

Since starting this hobby or mode of transportation in going to work, I have been thinking on the parts and accessories that I might need in order to upgrade my folding bike. It is of a low-priced setup at the moment but I am looking to replace some relevant parts to improve my biking experience. Seeing that there is a lot of possible gears and items to choose from got me excited though not financially prepared.

I am planning to turn it into sort of a cargo bike with a saddle for my stuff and I had the recent upgrade started by having a back wheel carrier rack. I will then proceed to install a front rack and basket and a cellphone mount so that I could record my trips and maybe start vlogging about it. What I saw on Youtube is that they used folding bikes as sort of a “donkey” to carry their stuff for travelling around the country or to a foreign one.

Here below is one example:

For now, I will just have a buylist of sort and check on the reviews and compare which one is suited for my bike. A whole lot of Youtube folding bike videos and reviews to go.

I have been biking to work for about 3 weeks already and that I referenced some tips and guides for starters and of course, biker vloggers on Youtube is the go-to platform. I watched a few bike videos starting from choosing the ideal folding bike to maintenance and bike accessories and tools to use when traveling. It was enjoyable checking on the DIYs and the alternate items to use for the bike. It is sort of a budget version that can be familiar for starters like me. I do hope though that I can find bike surplus shops here in Iloilo City.

I have also checked on the ways to prepare for a long ride, even if that is still far off my mind. I still needed to buy my gears the list based on the guide video. The latest plan setup is to buy a carrier rack for the rear and I am currently looking for it on Shopee and Lazada. I estimated it to arrive in the second week of the month and just in time for my salary.

Going back, here is a video I found which I think will ideally explain the tips and trick on biking to work. Check it out below.

It was only two weeks since I started biking to work from my boarding house and I think it is quite fulfilling. Places seem to be nearer because of this access to this mode of transportation. It is much as enjoyable as walking but a quicker way to reach your destination is more convenient. I was happy that I was able to finally buy and own a bike after a long while but because of these current effects of the pandemic that I avoid public transportation as much as possible, this makes biking a lot more viable.

I did not get the budget at hand at first but access to the emergency loan recently gave me an opportunity. I did not get to spend a lot on leisure because of banning social gatherings and liquor and so I get to have this funded something like a gadget and like this, a bicycle.

What made me chose a folding bike instead of the usual mountain bike is the convenience to store and carry it. Though the one I bought from a bike shop near Tacas, Jaro is quite awkward in its folded state, unlike from what I saw on Youtube for reference. Anywho, I am still getting used to its adjustment to my height as I got an awkward position which got me paining early one.

My current route to the office I more convenient than the previous one, with lesser traffic to avoid and a long stretch of road to enjoy. That is also enjoying the scenery along the river in Muelley Loney. The only inconvenience is the humid weather which I needed towels to cool down and wipe my perspiration, and also the rain when caught with a drizzle that will really ruin my day.

Anyhow, people in the city have been really considering biking as their main means of transportation going to work and will further do so as the local government is initiating plans to improve the current bike lanes and to add more within the city loop going to the outskirts. It is the bike capital of the country after all.