QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --Newly appointed Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa lauded Taguig City’s biking advocacy, and recognized the local government unit’s investment in cycling infrastructure and bike-sharing programs.

Herbosa joined more than 500 cyclists and active transport advocates in a Community Bike Ride organized by the City of Taguig on Saturday, June 10 in celebration of World Bicycle Day.

The Health Secretary cited Taguig’s continues effort to promote sustainable transportation through the Community Bike Ride and other initiatives.

“By prioritizing the well-being of its residents and the environment, the City of Taguig demonstrates that a greener, more livable future is not only desirable but also achievable,” Herbosa said.

The Health Secretary pledged support for bike programs, including the provision of trainings and activities focusing on road safety, injury prevention and protection for cyclists, and the preparation of all bikers to become first responders during emergencies.

Herbosa shared the positive impacts of biking on health saying “Walang smoke emissions which is bad for your health. You become fit. So it’s very important na mapush natin to.”

To encourage more people to choose biking as a alternative form of transportation, Herbosa said local government units must ensure that risks to their life and safety are eliminated.

Herbosa said as trauma surgeon at Philippine General Hospital specializing in road crashes, he observed that seventy percent of victims of road crashes are riding on a two-wheeled vehicles.

He said he is willing to help Taguig and other LGUs in  implementing road safety programs for cyclists.

“I'm willing to provide programs, tuturuan natin [ang cyclists] how to stop the bleeding, to pack wounds, and put splints and tourniquets,” he said, adding that they could be trained as first responders during road crashes.

The Health Secretary also urged bikers to join the official Facebook page of Trauma, Injury, Burn Care Commission (TIBCC) Siklista PH, an open group for all cyclists.

He said, the platform provides lectures and informative videos on injury prevention, road safety, the importance of wearing helmets, and the positive effects of cycling on both health and the environment. (taguig pio/pia-ncr)