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May 29, 2008The University of the Philippines (UP) through the members and alumni of the UP Mountaineers has come up starting this school year with a very laudable project called “UP Padyak”. Its aim is to promote the bicycle as a cheap but safe and reliable means of transportation. At the same time, it also reflects the student’s growing awareness of their responsibility to save the environment and have a healthy and fit lifestyle for themselves. All of these aims should certainly be within the scope of everyone’s personal, social and environmental responsibilities.
The bikes called ’step through utility bikes’, though second hand, are ideal for use within the UP campus. They are not designed for speed, but they are just right for the student’s need to be in their classrooms on time. They are fitted with a front utility basket so the students will have a place where to put their books and other belongings, front and rear fenders to protect them against road grime and the expected frequent rain showers specially during the first months of the the SY. For a measly 500 pesos for the entire semester, students can have unlimited use of bikes with in the campus. They are brightly painted for visibility and as a deterrent to theft.
Several European cities have similar projects. Paris, London, and Barcelona are just some of them that have citywide bike rental programs. Bikes are available in different types and rates. We are hoping that the same could be implemented in the entire Metro Manila. Our lungs, hearts and pockets could use some respite from the pollution caused by motorized transport and the high prices of fossil fuels.
The UP Padyak project had its trial phase last April 11, 2008 through the generous help of some volunteer bikers. For students who are new to biking, the Firefly Brigade will conduct a bike clinic for newbies on June 7, 2008. Details to be posted later.
Below is the feature about the project of the APROBE segment of PROBE episode that aired on May 21, 2008 on ABS CBN.
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awwwws, i should really ride my bike na!
kengkays last blog post..Walang Gana
Sige na ride na!
i’ve missed a lot since the last time i was here..!
im glad i dropped by, or i wouldnt have known about this
brilliant idea, now going on at UP.
about time that we all follow in ur footsteps..errr…bike tracks.
sa sobrang mahal nang gas! no way but up ang prices.
go rino, i am so proud of you.
elays last blog post..Life’s A Beach!
Uy, matagal ka ngang nawala a! Salamat sa compliment and thanks for making a swoop on my blog. Baka ako naman ang medyo mawala sandali dahil I’ll be transferring to another house in San Mateo where there is no wired internet connection yet. Meron wireless pero it seems hindi pa siya reliable o I’m postponing getting one.
rinos last blog post..This Biker was on British TV!