In photos posted by Greenpeace Philippines last Wednesday, August 19, an old man biking along EDSA was stopped aside for not wearing any safety equipment while traveling.
But instead of apprehending him, he was given a helmet and a reflective vest, care of the Bikers United Marshalls and Living Laudato Si Philippines. The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) even helped him wear the safety equipment before he went back to peddling to his destination.
“’Hindi naman gusto ng ilan sa ating mga kababayan ang magbisikleta nang walang helmet at iba pang proteksyon, ngunit sila ay napipilitan dahil sa kawalan ng accessible na transportasyon at dahil na rin sa kagustuhang maghanapbuhay.” Greenpeace stated in their caption.
True enough, biking has risen to become the most feasible solution to the lack of efficient mass transportation caused by the pandemic. Let’s hope that this scenario serves as a wake-up call that the Filipino people need to be supported, not penalized, for not being able to comply with changing norms.
Oh, and more bike lanes along our city streets, please!
