Why sharing the road safely with bicycles is good for the environment
As the need for social distancing forces
governments around the world to reduce public transportation services, many
have turned to bikes instead. In the Philippines, the uptick of bike users is
even more notable not just because it has one of the highest coronavirus
caseloads in Asia, but also because it has some of the region’s tightest urban
congestion.
Despite the increased ubiquity of bikes
due to the pandemic, Manila’s roads remain particularly hazardous for biking,
in part because some drivers regard cyclists as obstacles. In fact, monitoring
data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority indicated that bicycle
accidents increased to 2,606 last year, compared to 1,759 during the previous
year.
The Allianz PNB Life Ride Safe Pit Stop, the country's first solar-powered bike pit stop, is unveiled in San Juan City.
As part of its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life is urging motorists to be more proactive participants in making the roads safer for bicycles. “Ride Safe is a campaign in support of cycling for sustainable cities. As a global sustainability leader, Allianz launched this campaign to encourage more Filipinos to rekindle an interest in cycling, which promotes low-carbon emissions and safe, green transport,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.
Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alex Grenz (left) and Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola at the pit stop's repair station. The pit stop also has a resting and parking area for bikers.
A road for all
Drivers sometimes feel that roads are
for vehicles only and that bicycles have no right to be there. Allianz PNB
Life urges motorists to change this mindset, especially now that bikes are a
lot more common due to necessity.
“We need to think of bike riders as
equals who are just as entitled to the roadway as car drivers,” said Gino
Riola, Chief Marketing Officer of Allianz PNB Life and a bike rider himself.
“When we consider bikes as vehicles, we treat cyclists the same as motorists.”
One reason for the lack of awareness
regarding road safety for cyclists is the absence of any law governing cycling
and cycling safety standards. But with government officials working towards
making the roads safer for bike riders, cars will be sharing the road with
other modes of transport more safely than before.
According to Riola, a national law that
promotes bike safety on the road is a very welcome change for the biking
community, especially as more and more Filipinos now turn to bicycles for their
daily commute.
Grenz and Riola stand with San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and First Lady Keri Zamora at the blessing of the pit stop and the city's initiative of bike-share program.
Biking towards sustainability
Globally, Allianz has always been a
staunch advocate of the environment and has topped the Down Jones
Sustainability Index from 2017 to 2019, making it one of the world’s most
sustainable insurers. With its Ride Safe campaign, Allianz PNB Life looks to
encourage more Filipinos to cycle as a means towards more sustainable and
livable cities. Last year, Allianz provided the City of San Juan new protected
on-road cycling facilities, such as bollards and safety signs, as well the
country’s first solar-powered bike pitstop.
According to Allianz PNB Life, bike
safety is an essential component of this mission. “The national bike law is a much-needed
step towards not just creating bike-friendly roads and communities, but towards
building more sustainable cities,” said Riola. “After all, a bike lane isn’t just a bike lane that keeps riders safe, it’s also allowing
people to switch to another mode of transport—to one that promotes health and
doesn’t consume fuel.”
“Cars and bikes can co-exist. Other cities
around the world have proven that,” said Riola. “What is needed is that motorists and
bikers respect each other and the rules of the road are followed.”
If the many newly opened bike stores are
any indication, bikes are here to stay. And that is good for drivers, the
environment, and the community.
