Participating cyclists simulate the symbolic tearing of cedulas in Barangay Bahay Toro. (Photo Courtesy: Quezon City Green Transport Office - DPOS)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Over 500 participants joined the “Katipunan Freedom Trail: Padyak Pabalik sa Kasaysayan” collective bike ride event organized by the Quezon City government in the continuous promotion of its rich cultural history and local climate action.
The said initiative essentially forms part of the city’s 84th foundation anniversary celebration which entails the tracing of the five historic routes that the Katipuneros traversed during the Philippine Revolution.
In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the city government also integrated the advancement of active mobility in this undertaking through the use of bicycles instead of the other modes of transportation.
“Sa ating pagpadyak, hindi lang natin nabibigyang pansin ang mahalagang bahagi ng kasaysayan na matatagpuan sa ating siyudad. Tayo rin ay nakakatulong sa ating kalikasan (In every pedal we make, we are not only paying attention to the significant pieces of history that can be found in our city. We are also helping the environment),” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
“By riding our bikes, we help to mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and reduce carbon emissions in the city. This is a testament to our commitment to make Quezon City a safer, greener, and more habitable place for its more than three million QCitizens,” she added.
The 20-kilometer Katipunan Freedom Trail started from Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Balintawak to Barangay Apolonio Samson down to the Barangay Bahay Toro in Project 8 where the symbolic Cry of Pugad Lawin took place.
Various cycling enthusiasts participate in the bike ride event of the QC government to have a glimpse of the city's colorful history and aid in the promotion of environmental sustainability. (Photo Courtesy: Quezon City Green Transport Office - DPOS)
The trail also traversed the Melchora Aquino National Shrine in Barangay Tandang Sora as well as the Holy Parish Cross Church in Barangay Krus na Ligas where Katipuneros sought refuge while fighting for independence.
Meanwhile, the city government provided a commemorative shirt, meals, bike repair kits, and a helmet to incentivize the active participation of the cyclists.
On the other hand, City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo shared the plans of the local government to further expand the QC bike lanes from 171 kilometers to 350 kilometers.
This is to encourage more residents to opt for cycling as an environmentally-sound mode of transportation.
“Kasabay ng paglawak ng mga bike lanes sa QC, kailangan ay dumami rin ang mga siklista. Kailangan nating matulong-tulong upang patuloy na mapalawig at maprotektahan ang ating bike lanes (Along with the expansion of bike lanes in QC, the number of cyclists should also increase. We need to help each other for the continuous expansion and protection of our bike lanes),” said Ocampo.
The local government also bared that more than 2,000 concrete plant barriers are currently being installed across the districts of the city to further ensure the safety of bikers. (QC PAISD/PIA-NCR)
