Pros and Cons: Biking vs Driving

BIKE shortages are happening around the world. Due to the unexpected pandemic, more and more bikes are being bought as an alternative transportation of public trains, buses, taxis, and jeepneys.

Cycling is one of the proposed "New Normal" actions that is being practiced as of today's situation. The struggle is real. So, what can I benefit from using bicycles? If there is a shortage, is there any other means of transportation aside from bicycles?

In Davao City, the City Government has already implemented Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) effectively where in non-contact outdoor sports, such as biking, is allowed for work and exercise purposes only. Also, biking lanes in the city are currently constructed in progress. Once finished, cycle owners are required to register their bikes to the City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (CTTMO) once the lanes are finished.

Interested, here are the pros and cons on whether or not you need a bicycle:

Pros

• 2-in-1 Commuting & Health Benefits: By moving and burning energy, it helps lessen stress, thereby protecting mental health. It also improves bone and muscle strength and optimize lung function. Enable to do physical fitness and exercises while transporting from one place to another.
• Eco and Budget Friendly: It is obviously more affordable with less maintenance needs Allows an individual to practice healthy living and to promote a safer environment. Bicycles do not contribute to air pollution like oil-running vehicles.
• Social Distancing Achieved. It is an individual transportation that keeps oneself socially distanced from other commuters.

• Long Distance Relationship: The relation between a biker and his bicycle may vary in terms of distance. It could last after a few minutes of cycling from place to place. However, it is not advisable to cycle from a wider and greater distance. An example would be cycling from Davao City to Panabo City for it will be exhausting to the cyclist. The distance towards one's workplace would determine if the person can endure the long ride. Hence, this type of transport might not be applicable for those working between cities.
• No Extra Baggage: Using a bike is alright when one is carrying a lighter load for school or work. It is not recommended to bring more than one bag while cycling on the road.
• Exposed to Outside Dangers: Be cautious when riding a bike especially passing through curves and highways. Always take time to check for any safer or alternative way to cross while cycling.

Because of Davao City's traffic, City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte incorporated areas that would be included in the project proposal of Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act. Other implemented solutions are on-going construction projects.

Here are a few things to think about before planning whether to use a personal car or not:

Pros

• Personal Space: Enable to have a huge space on your own. One can have proper ventilation and access to many things such as comfortable seating and the best views from inside the vehicle. Also, weather change would not be a problem.
• Flexible and Extras: Can fit at least two-four people with proper social distancing (depending on the size of the car), bringing out comfort and convenience while travelling.
• Cargo Safety: When travelling, passengers can bring personal things and extra items (such as bigger baggage, additional travel cases, or work boxes/bags, etc.) without having any difficulties.

• Extra Spending: A car is not cheap. It is high maintenance (such as regular oil and tire checks, repair costs, gasoline, etc.).
• Pollution on the Run: Cars contribute to air pollution – from carbon monoxide to hydrocarbons, to nitrogen and oxides. These substances can cause damage to people's health, especially the lungs. They also contribute to global warming.
• Part of the Traffic: Contributes negatively to traffic congestion that would definitely waste one's time.

You can always have fun while doing any of it, just remember to be careful and be safe while you're at it!