Earth Hour Night Rides Show Demand for Safe Cycling
Imagine roads free of vehicles, with many people eager to cycle. Based on past Earth Hour night rides, closing roads for participants encouraged families to join, with around 3,000 participants flooding the streets. This concrete evidence shows that when cyclists are given a safe opportunity to ride, they come out and pedal. Even those who do not know how to cycle are motivated to learn.
Families Invest in Bikes for Bonding
Parents buy bicycles to teach their children how to ride, using them for bonding moments. These memorable family experiences stay in children's minds for years, and they may replicate them when they have their own families. Eventually, cycling could become part of Cebuano and Filipino culture, but only if infrastructure supports it—specifically protected, exclusive bike lanes without competition from other users.
Need for Proper Planning to Avoid Waste
Good planning and study are required to avoid wasting funds, like the millions of pesos spent on bike lanes during the COVID-19 pandemic that were underutilized. Properly designed lanes are essential for long-term adoption.
Thrill of Trail Riding Attracts More Cyclists
The number of mountain bikers doing trail rides is increasing, as seen in social media videos. Even at night, some dare to go downhill, using lights to illuminate the path. Trail riding is growing because there is no competition on the trails, except for occasional animals like pigs, cows, and goats. Most mountain roads are now concrete, reducing challenges except for steep climbs that can be exhausting. However, the thrill of the ride, especially on trails, requires maneuvering skills and appeals to those who enjoy exciting descents.
