Amid a colorful flurry of bicycles and cheerful camaraderie, Baguio City celebrates World Bicycle Day on June 3 with the inauguration of "Sang-atan" Baguio Bike Festival at Burnham Park.
In a vibrant display of unity and celebration, the event not only marked the joyous celebration of World Bicycle Day but also signaled the start of a month-long festivity that seeks to unite bikers and the entire community in a shared passion for cycling.
As the sun cast its golden glow upon the city, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, joined by bicycle enthusiasts and local government employees, embarked on an early morning ride that traversed the city’s streets, such as Session Road, Harrison Road and Kisad Road.
This display of unity and camaraderie set the tone for the festival running from June 3 to July 2.
The festival aims to promote healthy living by highlighting the city's bike-friendly atmosphere and encouraging more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
City Commitment
A photo of “Sang-atan” The Baguio Bike Festival schedule.
Photo courtesy of Baguio City PIO.
According to a Facebook post from the Baguio City Public Information Office (PIO), throughout the month-long festival, the city set an array of exhilarating events and activities that will captivate both seasoned bikers and curious onlookers.
From bike rides to thrilling races that push the boundaries of athleticism, “Sang-atan” promises to showcase the incredible diversity and vibrancy of the cycling community of Baguio.
Since 2018, the city has embraced the significance of World Bicycle Day, organizing modest activities initiated by various cycling groups, such as Team Next Generation-WAEWA Baguio City Sports Team and Daily Cycle Movement Baguio.
Moreover, the city takes its commitment to cycling through City Council Resolution No. 116 series of 2018, recognizing June 3 as Bicycle Day in support of the International World Bicycle Day declared by the United Nations (UN). Since then, Baguio has consistently held fun rides to commemorate the festivity.
A Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability
As "Sang-atan" gains momentum, Rico Mapula, Metro Baguio Mountain Bikers member, shared in an online interview on June 4 that he found solace and joy in the world of cycling.
“Lifestyle ko na rin po ang pagbabike kasi, healthy living po dahil mula nung nagpandemic nagfocus na po (ako) sa pagbabike para sa kalusugan," he said.
"Sang-atan" not only brings together the cycling community but also serves as a catalyst for a shift towards sustainable transportation.
“The festival alone encourages people to ride their bikes. When people see that Baguio city is ‘bike-able,’ maybe more would consider using bikes for commute,” Mapula said with his voice full of optimism.
He added that “Nakatatak na kasi sa atin na ang Baguio eh puro akyatan. Having this kind of festival would really help people see na ‘o kaya naman pala!’”
The concept of a bike-friendly Baguio City is not foreign to Mapula. He firmly believes that the city is bike-friendly, yet argued that the city could do more.
Mapula asserted, “Kulang pa sa bike lane at luwag ng kalsada but hopefully sa mga susunod na taon or months matutukan po ito ng govt natin.”
As the festival pedals forward, Baguio City stands as a shining example of a community that embraces the power of bicycles, demonstrating that the city's enchanting landscapes and winding roads are not only meant for breathtaking views but also serve as a gateway to a healthier, more sustainable future.
With continued support from the local government and the passionate voices of cyclists, Baguio City is poised to become a shining example of a truly bike-friendly city in the Philippines.
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