ENVIROMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu said that the DENR family supports the call to promote bicycle riding and to keep cyclists safe while on the road.

According to Cimatu, this pandemic has taught Filipinos in using bicycle as part of their health routine and cleaner environment.

“This proposal for the use of bicycles should be supported as it has become an alternative mode of transportation that is efficient and emission-free not only here in our country but also elsewhere around the world,” he added.

Data from the DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) showed a significant decrease of 39% monthly average concentration of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP).

This was based on a report from the Air Quality Monitoring Stations of EMB National Capital Region for the period March 2020 to April 2021.

TSP refers to particles ranging in size from 0.1 micrometer to about 30 micrometers in diameter.

However, from March 2020 to April 2021, the monthly average concentration of PM (particulate matter) 10 increased by 43%.

On the other hand, the monthly average concentration of PM 2.5 also increased by 5%.

EMB has attributed this to the motor vehicle emissions in Metro Manila, since there are still private and public transport vehicles on the roads.

PM 10 is 10 micrometers and smaller in diameter such as dust, pollen and mold. PM 2.5 is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter from soot, smoke, metals, chemicals, dust and other elements that can easily be breathed and are usually associated with respiratory illnesses.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda pointed out that while Congress has yet to pass a law on the safety of cycling in the country, he hopes that LGUs would pass ordinances designating bicycle lanes in the localities to ensure cyclists safety.

“It’s high time that we enact a bicycle law to protect our commuters. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our people have now been travelling using their bicycles on their way to work, and it is only right to assure them of their safety while travelling,” he said.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1052 in November 2020 designating a “National Bicycle Day” to be observed every 4th Sunday of November to promote the environmental benefits of bicycles.

Under the proclamation, the DENR is tasked to enjoin other national and local government agencies, including LGUs and the private sector, to participate and support the implementation of the national bicycle proclamation.