As more people continue to transition to cycling as their new mode of transportation, a Makati-based digital marketing company, joined forces with city offices to promote more cyclist-oriented initiatives to Makatizens, including the creation of more secured bicycle parking facilities.
Ibarra Villaseran, Truelogic Client Service Director (L) together with Rowel Calison, 6788 Makati Sky Plaza Property Manager (R)
The 6788 Makati Sky Plaza building along Ayala Avenue, in partnership with Truelogic, has maintained an underground bicycle parking facility for its tenants, in support of AyalaLand's alternative transportation efforts in Makati City.
"6788 is only one of a handful of buildings in the area that went to this extent to provide secure bicycle parking facilities. Aside from it being sheltered, it even has its own CCTV.", Ibarra Villaseran, a digital marketing executive at Truelogic and an avid cyclist in the city said in an interview with Manila Bulletin.
He said bicycle parking facility is always packed with cyclists who continue to embrace this alternative mode of transportation even after the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in the past year.
He explained that at the height of the pandemic, cyclists often lament the lack of secured bicycle parking spots in cities around Metro Manila, which prompted companies to coordinate with the Makati City local government for the creation of such facilities.
"Convenience and safety are key," Villaseran said as he emphasized the importance of accessible and secure bicycle parking facilities.
To further support this sustainability initiative, the company has donated essential tools, hand pumps, and tire patch kits for the 6788 Makati Sky Plaza's alternative transportation effort.
"This collaborative effort aims to enhance the cycling experience for all tenants and promote the use of bicycles as a viable means of commuting within the city," Villaseran explained.
Rowel Calison, property manager, lauded such efforts saying "this is something that will definitely benefit the flourishing Bike to Work community in the building."
"We are proud to be part of a forward-thinking community that prioritizes sustainability. The response to our bicycle parking facility has been positive, and it's heartwarming to see our tenants actively contributing to a greener and healthier city," he added.
During the celebration of World Bicycle Day on June 3, Villaseran underscored the significance of bike lanes and bike parking facilities launched in Makati's business district in ensuring the safety and convenience of employees who choose to bike to work especially during the height of the pandemic where most commuters transitioned to cycling as their mode of transportation when public vehicles were temporarily restricted as part of the minimum public health standards mandated by the national government.
He also lauded the city government's steps towards maintaining and enhancing the protected bike lanes along Ayala Avenue, setting a remarkable example for other cities to follow.
To date, Makati has four-kilometer long protected bike lanes along the main thoroughfares of the central business district (CBD). To ensure the safety of cyclists, safety infrastructure such as additional bollards and signages have been installed.
The Makati Parking Authority is also enforcing its rules, preventing motor vehicles from using the bike lanes.
Active engagement with local commuter and biking groups such as “Make it Safer Makati” is also being conducted by the local government and the private sector to settle disputes and exchange optimal solutions to improve the commuting experience of the public.
On Sept. 24, cyclist coalition "Make it Makati" extended its “Car-Free Sunday Mornings” initiative at Ayala Avenue until the end of the year following overwhelming support it has received from cyclists and residents of Makati City.
Through the program, vehicles will not be allowed to pass through Ayala Avenue from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Sunday. The extension until December will allow residents to continue their Sunday morning fitness programs in the area, such as biking, running, walking their pets, and doing recreational activities.