1,000 cyclists for Earth Day in Cebu City: 20-kilometer route closed but no complaints from public this time

CEBU, Philippines - Over 1,000 bicycle enthusiasts championed the environment in celebrating the Earth Day by sharing half of the lane in major thoroughfares in Cebu City along with the passenger jeepney drivers and motorcycles yesterday morning.

But unlike in the previous year when there were various complaints from jeepney drivers and the riding public because of some road closures and re-routing, City Integrated Traffic Operation Management (CITOM) chairman Sylvan Jakosalem said the traffic situation in the city were normal and no complaints were raised before their office.

"No problems, no traffic," Jakosalem said.

The activity's organizer, 350.org Pilipinas, said the event was meant to raise the level of awareness on biking as an alternative means of transportation to preserve and conserve the environment by reducing impact on global warming or climate change.

The group advocates biking not only as an enjoyable and recreational activity but also as a way of achieving fitness and wellness. Moreover, air pollution would be reduced, according to the group.

The organization of bikers, which is composed of the Cebu Extreme Bikers Union, Bike and Talk Friendship Club, Movement for Livable Cebu, Critical Mass Cebu and 350.Org who joined the event, is pushing government to provide cyclists with bicycle lanes and set up bicycle racks in private and public establishments.

A manifesto recently issued by the group proposes the putting of bicycle lanes in city roads to promote the safety of bikers, cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians.

PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy and Cebu City Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera are pushing, through ordinances they sponsored, for the provision of bicycle lanes in major roads under their areas of responsibilities.

The organizers started their activity at 7:00 in the morning at the Plaza Independencia, where the event also ended at 10 a.m.

Yesterday's route was roughly 20 kilometers from the starting point to SM City Cebu, then to Mabolo entering IT Park, JY Square Mall then to Gorordo Ave. to Escario St. down to Fuente Osmeña then Osmeña Blvd. then back to Plaza Independencia.

The cyclists stopped at the Capitol and City Hall where they raised a flag with the logo of bike lanes to serve as a reminder to the government that they committed to set up infrastructures for road sharing.

The Earth Day started in 1970 the United States inspired by efforts of US Senator Gaylod Nelson, who pushed for environmental protection and announced a "national teach-in on the environment".

In the 1990s, other countries started joining, including the Philippines.

Former President Corazon C. Aquino also issued on April 16, 1990 Proclamation No. 553 making Earth Day officially celebrated in the Philippines every April 22. This year's theme is "Earth Day Every Day Everywhere." — (FREEMAN)