‘Most bike-friendly’ Iloilo City hosts ‘Celebration Ride’

PEDAL POWER. Bikers join Sept. 23, 2018’s “Celebration Ride” to acclaim Iloilo City’s new title, “Most Bike-Friendly City” in the Philippines. Iloilo City has been promoting road sharing these past few years. It has designated bike lanes for the purpose.

ILOILO City – After being proclaimed the most “bike-friendly” among the country’s cities, Iloilo City staged a “Celebration Ride” yesterday. Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts participated.

“This is our way of celebrating the notable recognition from the PhilBike Expo 2018,” said Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

The celebration – cruising around the city using bicycles – started at 5:30 a.m. The first 200 registrants received shirts.

Iloilo City has been promoting road sharing these past few years. It has designated bike lanes for the purpose, said Espinosa.

The “Most Bike-Friendly City” award was bestowed to Iloilo City during the PhilBike Awards 2018 on Sept. 9 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

“The award was given to the metropolis because of its sustainable bike programs, unending support to the biking community, and promoting environmental awareness through biking,” said Espinosa.

For his part, Moises Salomon Jr. of the City Sports Division said the city earned recognition because of its strong foundation and partnership with the private sector in promoting road sharing.

“We are having our bike festival every year. They also noticed that our bike lanes are wide enough,” Salomon said.

The Iloilo Bike Festival is being held during summer season.

“It’s really a give and take situation,” said Espinosa. “We shouldn’t always rely on the premise that there should be apprehension (for traffic rules violations) and there should be someone to implement them. It should be upon ourselves that we take action; and under the principle of road sharing, let’s share our road or observe its specific use.

SOURCE: Panay News

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