Do you want to save on fuel? Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, with the support of the UP administration, recently initiated a program that is sure to help student-motorists (and their parents) lower their fuel costs, as well as save on parking fees. Even those commuting can benefit from the program, as it can also mitigate rising transportation fares.

The solution: bicycles. Get the students off their butts and make them either walk or bike their way around the Diliman campus. Simple-minded as this may seem, the program makes plenty of sense, particularly for Diliman’s young and restless crowd. What better way to burn off all that youthful energy! It may even bring down the number of teenage pregnancies, as well as fraternity rumbles, in the Diliman Republic.

In the early 1970s, as world oil prices skyrocketed and as Ferdinand Marcos’s New Republic emerged, a young and unassuming comedian by the name of Ariel Ureta offered the most practical solution to the country’s woes: “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, bisikleta ang kailangan.” And with the way things are now, it seems that political and economic history is simply repeating itself. So, does the solution need to be any different?

One can always bike instead of drive, more so in going around a “closed” community like the UP campus in Diliman. Biking helps reduce fuel use and also air and noise pollution, and consequently makes Diliman a more conducive place for learning. Think about it.

Just recently, the program, known as the UP Padyak Project, successfully ended its summer test run with 16 volunteers: four boys and 12 girls. Program coordinators also say there are more girls than boys signing up for the program starting this coming first semester. Perhaps the girls are more conscious of their health, as well as the environment?

Students can “rent” bikes under the program for use within the Diliman campus for just P500 for every semester. But they must buy their own helmets, which are mandatory. The rent includes the bike, cable lock and the bike clinic on how to safely ride. One clinic, for the more than 50 students who already signed up, is already scheduled for June 7 at the AS Parking Lot, and will be conducted by a trainer from the Firefly Brigade. They will teach basic riding skills, safety and how to do minor bike repairs.

Program coordinators say the project uses utility bikes, the ones with step-through frames. These are designed for comfort and utility rather that sport and speed. A carrying basket mounted along the handlebars, bell and cable locks will also be provided as part of the rent. Bicycle shops inside the UP campus will also be tapped for quick repairs like flats, brake tuning and others. The current inventory is composed of recycled utility bicycles mostly from Japan and other bike donations.

A boundary is planned to be established around the campus where the bikes can be used. This boundary will cover the major academic buildings, residence halls and commercial destinations of UP Diliman. There is word that it is the UP administration’s long-term plan to allocate bike routes in the campus.

With the support of the UP administration, a core group composed of alumni and supporters of the UP Mountaineers will be acquiring and keeping bikes in inventory for rent to students. And contributions for the purchase of bikes have been coming in even from other UP alumni who have heard of the program. The core group is also looking into putting up bike racks around campus for people who own and use bicycles. Sorry, motorcycles and scooters may not be allowed to chain to the racks.

The UP Padyak Project has three objectives: a) to encourage cycling as a means of transportation; b) promote environmental conservation by reducing the use of fossil fuel-driven vehicles; and c) encourage a healthy lifestyle in the UP campus. The project is an undertaking of the UP Mountaineers but spearheaded by members of Batch ’88 as they celebrate their 20th year in the organization. It is also a fitting way to celebrate UP’s 100th year. Initial program target are students, and then later on maybe faculty and other UP staff.

Those interested in the program can contact the coordinators at padyakbikes@gmail.com or visit their web site www.padyak.org. People are encouraged to donate bikes or money, make bikes their business or donate time to help promote cycling. Many years back, China maintained the largest inventory worldwide of bicycles in use. Millions of bikes were on Chinese roads. But times have changed. Many Chinese residents now use cars. One can only wonder whatever happened to all those bicycles. Perhaps some can find their way to the Philippines, to be donated for use in a laudable project like the UP Padyak. 

Comments to matort@yahoo.com

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Do you want to save on fuel? Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, with the support of the UP administration, recently initiated a program that is sure to help student-motorists (and their parents) lower their fuel costs, as well as save on parking fees. Even those commuting can benefit from the program, as it can also mitigate rising transportation fares.

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