Copping best practices from other cities and municipalities has worked well for a number of local government units (LGU) during the current health crisis. Nothing wrong with that, especially when we’re all trying to beat a common enemy as formidable as COVID-19.
So, perhaps here’s another thing other LGUs could look into implementing in their jurisdictions: Mandaue City in the province of Cebu has put up a bicycle repair station that may be used for free by local cyclists. The station is located on S.B. Cabahug Street near the city hall. Check it out:
“With more people using bicycles in traveling owing to limited public transport during quarantine, Mandaue City in Cebu has installed a bicycle repair station that bikers can use for free anytime,” according to the post by the Mandaue City Public Information Office. “Located near City Hall, the station has a hand pump and some tools needed for basic repair works. Earlier, the city also opened bicycle lanes so that bikers can travel safely.”
This is in line with other initiatives and facilities that are being made elsewhere in the country for the benefit of cyclists. Aside from expanding their network of bicycle lanes, other cities have also been setting up bike racks and protected lanes exclusively for bikes, and looking into providing transportation loans for workers wishing to acquire bicycles. A recent bill filed in Congress is also pushing for incentives for cyclists in the form of tax breaks or food credits.
Like it or not, physical distancing and the more controlled deployment of public transport are things we’ll have to live with for the unforeseeable future, so now is really the best time to promote and improve alternative-mobility options in the country. Would you like to see bicycle repair stations in your city, too? And if you’re a cyclist, what other facilities do you think would make your daily travel safer and more convenient?
