PREVIOUSLY bashed because of social distancing issues, the Sunday Bike Safety Advocacy Ride initiated by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on June 7, 2020, has snowballed into a successful event with the participation of cyclists from various sectors in the community. Today, it is a regular weekend every bike enthusiasts look forward to.
From a mere 18 riders at the onset to now reaching almost 400 Sunday bikers, concerns of safety have been raised, given that most, if not all, of our roads are narrow and devoid of bike lanes (at least as of this writing). It makes it more challenging and dangerous for younger children enticed to ride on wheels for the first time or newbies who now seek biking as a means to exercise. Thankfully, organized bike marshals and e-scooter volunteers were put into place to answer to these needs.
According to Mr. Eugene Dominic Valbuena of the City Administrator’s Office, the group of marshals is a combination of bike enthusiasts from the government and private sectors who have voluntarily put in their resources to help the mayor in his advocacy. This includes the Baguio E-scooter enthusiast who, according to Mr. Teddy Cheong, founder of Electric Kick Scooter Club, helps out to keep the cyclists in proper order and formation. They work hand in hand with traffic enforcers to secure the safety of cyclists from other motorists and vehicles during these rides.
As the number of bikers increases, the demand and call for marshal volunteers follow suit. More marshals are needed to guide, ride ahead and lead bikers along the route. Training events are held every so often for approximately three to four hours per session. The only requirement to be one is to know how to bike and the willingness and dedication to learn how to be a bike marshal. Please note that no fees are collected during the training events and a certificate is issued to individuals who complete the training and actual exercises. It is the city’s goal for these individuals to cascade what they’ve learned to their respective smaller groups.
For interested parties, you may contact Mr. Joseph Rigunan at 091750612132 or Mr. Eugene Valbuena at 09173034017, or you may inquire at the Daily Cycle Movement Facebook page.