BAGUIO CITY – Outgoing Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week ordered the grant of a 19-hour pass for bicycles to traverse Session Road in observance of the 2nd World Bicycle Day in the city.
In Administrative Order No. 60, the mayor said bicycles can access the city’s main thoroughfare from 5 a.m. of June 2 to 12 a.m. of June 3.
This is to give way to the bicycle fun ride and other activities that will be organized by the different cycling groups and the city government through the City Tourism and Special Events Division of the Office for Administration to mark the special day. Parking will not be allowed along Session Road on said hours to free the parking spaces and turn them into “bike lanes for-a-day” instead.
The city started marking the event last year with simple activities spearheaded by seven cycling groups as assisted by Councilor Elmer Datuin in line with Resolution No. 116 series of 2018 “Declaring Every 3rd Day of June Every Year as Bicycle Day in the City of Baguio in Support of the International Work Bicycle Day and Incorporating Related Activities Therein.”
“In acknowledgment of the contribution of cycling to the world’s sustainable development goals, the United National has declared the third day of June as International World Bicycle Day and invites all member states and relevant stakeholders to celebrate and promote awareness of the event,” the resolution notes.
“As a counterpart, the City has to encourage its citizens to use bicycles as a means of transportation. Aside from health benefits derived from cycling, it is eco-friendly as it does not emit smoke and it saves money as it does not use fuel. It will likewise decongest traffic and needs minimal space for parking.” ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
