14,000 bikers call for sustainable mode of transport in Tour of the Fireflies

(The Philippine Star)
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Photos from members of the Firefly Brigade

MANILA, Philippines - More than 14,000 bikers (some even in their most creative costumes) participated in the 14th Tour of the Fireflies (ToF), an annual bicycle ‘parade’ held on Sunday around Metro Manila. 

A biking event which started in 1999, the ToF has become an annual “rite of passage” for most bikers in Metro Manila whose growing consciousness for the environment has made the annual bike eco-festival the biggest in the country. In support of the event, the Transportation Department through the MRT and LRT Management, allowed full-sized bicycles access to the trains systems from 5.00am-5.00pm on Sunday. 

 

“We are jubilant that the LRT and MRT systems has agreed to allow full-sized bicycles, during the kick-off and culminating dates of the Climate Change Consciousness Week.  We consider the activity as an important milestone for non-motorized transportation (NMT) advocates,“ Tina dela Cruz, president of the Firefly Brigade, said.

 

Donning Climate Change and Clean Air-themed costumes, some riders toured the bike-friendly cities of Pasig and Marikina and passed through Quezon City, San Juan and Mandaluyong. Bicyclists stopped over at the Shoe Festival in Marikina and ended in Tiendesitas where an awarding ceremony for the Best in Costume, Youngest/Oldest Rider, among others and a mini concert featuring The Jerks, Nityalila and Color it Red was held. Several environment- and bicycle-friendly corporations also donated bicycles and helmets to support the various programs of the NGO.

 

Now on its 14th year, ToF centered on the theme,”B.E.S.T. or “Bicycles for Environmentally Sustainable Transportation” and is supportive of the government’s National EST Strategy, hoping that it will gather more bikers for next year’s event. ToF was also hosted by the passthrough cities of Pasig , Marikina , QC , San Juan , Mandaluyong. And to joining the biggest “bike parade” in the country, a critical mass night ride was also conducted by bikepalawan.org the night before the big event in Puerto Princesa showing support to the Firefly Brigade and paying homage to all cyclists in the country.

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