November’s last working day is bike-to-work day

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has declared the last working day of November as National Bike-To-Work Day, citing the need to raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as a transportation mode.

The declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 409 signed on Nov. 28 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of the President.

The issuance cited the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which underscores the need to “develop active transport network, and accord highest priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the hierarchy of road users.”

It also noted that the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 requires the state to “ensure a balance between development and environmental protection and maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare” and encourages non-motorized transportation.

“The post-pandemic ‘new normal’ requires the adoption of measures to enable safe, independent, physically distanced travel, especially for essential workers, so that the country is better prepared in the event of another health emergency,” the proclamation said.

Marcos ordered the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport of the Department of Health (DOH) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the National Bike-to-Work Day.

The task force was also instructed to identify programs, projects and activities for the yearly celebration.

The DOH created the task force to implement strategies to promote active transport.