A group of volunteers gave free reflectors to bikers as show of care for their safety due to the growing number of bike commuters in the localities.
“This is to promote bike safety to bike commuters in our communities,” project proponent Valerie de Guzman said.
Around 600 triangle and sash reflectors were distributed to various bikers in Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet, aside from providing free tire check-up.
The reflectors were made by various volunteer groups supporting the project.
De Guzman said the project was inspired by the Kitaka project and TatsoLook, which are non-profit organizations advocating bicycling as an environment-friendly mode of transportation.
The Kitaka project, supported by the University of the Philippines Mountaineers and Tiklop Society of the Philippines, also provides bikers with safety gears and accessories.
“This project is non-profit; all donations will go to the production of the sashes. Our distributors are all volunteers,” she said.
The group is also open for cycling enthusiasts as volunteers willing to distribute the reflectors and help in offering free bike check-ups to bike commuters in need.
The project is in partnership with the Pinegypsy, UP Baguio Moutaineers, Daily Cycle Movement Baguio, Cordillera Conservation Trust, Bike Scouts Baguio, and Nomads.
Recently, the city council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all cyclists and electric scooter enthusiasts in the city to use helmets and safety reflectorized vests and install safety reflectors on front and rear lights on their bicycles or scooters.
Under the proposed “Bike Safety Ordinance,” violators will be fined P150 to P500 with community service of 240 hours under the supervision of the barangay where the offender resides. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
