UP DILIMAN BIKEWAYS FLYERS DRAFT The UP Diliman Bikeways ‘When I see an adult on a bicycle, I have hope for the human race.’ - H.G. Wells Recognizing that high dependence on cars will not solve the problems that beset the campus such as congestion, pollution, lack of public transportation during peak periods, etc., an alternative mode of transportation was conceived. This is not to dislocate the already existing public transportation services within the campus as the university also supports a policy on the use of public transportation. The UP Diliman is embarking on a project that would recreate it to be a university with unique, distinctive character. Already well-known for its verdant campus, UP Diliman with the Bikeways Project will further strengthen this image. With most of its roads lined with greens, cycling can be a very pleasant experience. Dubbed as the poor man’s mode of transportation, cycling is the most energy efficient form of muscle powered locomotion on the planet. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways of getting fit, especially of trimming the belly. Riding a bike is good for your health, good for the environment and – more importantly – good for the soul: it’s fun! The figure below shows the initial phase of the project. The administration intends to build a network of bikeways and pedestrian pathways all over the campus in the long term. The Bikeway Project does not only include physical improvements for the existing road to be more conducive to cycling. Additional traffic signs and pavement markings will be installed for better traffic management. The project also includes programs to ensure safety of the cyclists through bicycle safety education. Riding a bike is something one never forgets how to do. But riding a bike on the road in traffic is something that many cyclists never learn. The fact that there is no test to pass before a cyclist can venture out onto the roads makes it more important to learn traffic skills. A cyclist is a vulnerable road user, and his/her safety is primarily in his/her hands. Many car drivers don’t know the correct way to behave around cyclists. The problem is compounded when the cyclist is unsure, too. Simply put, learn the rules, and the skills to use them, and apply them. Some innovative schemes are also being thought of to ensure the programs’ success. Through the bicycle bank/library concept, owning a bike or renting one will be easy. Additional facilities such as parking sheds, shower facilities, bicycle shop/talyer and bicycle cafe are also being planned. While there are still fireflies flying around at night; while our kids can still enjoy breathing fresh air in the campus, let us give cycling a try.