Pasig students, teachers get free bikes, helmets

BIKES BECKON Thursday was all about the promotion of “pedal power” at the Department of Education main office in Pasig City, where some employees and local government personnel hold an activity to mark World Car-Free Day (upper photo), and at Rizal High School also in Pasig City where the transport advocacy group Move as One Coalition spearheads a similar campaign on campus. —LYN RILLON AND GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Selected students and teachers of Rizal High School (RHS) in Pasig City received free bikes and helmets on Thursday as part of the Department of Education (DepEd) and other partner agencies’ goal to support sustainable and inclusive transportation modes in schools and workplaces.

The event, which also seeks to promote “safe bike lanes” funding in the 2023 national budget, is in line with this year’s celebration of World Car-free Day.

Partner agencies, organizations and volunteer groups include the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Move As One Coalition.

Aldrin Pelicano, RHS alumnus and member of a community advocating for walkable and bikeable cities, said, “We are all better with fewer cars.” At the DepEd central office, Education Undersecretary Kris Ablan showcased end-of-trip facilities intended to promote active mobility among the agency’s staff and employees. —JANE BAUTISTA

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