DAVAO CITY — A fun ride for the environment will be attended by cyclists from Davao and other nearby provinces will join in this year’s celebration of the 2nd National Bicycle Day on November 22.
Monica Ayala from Cycle for Life said that this year’s 13th edition of the Flight of the Eagles (FOTE) bike run will focus its route along the urban streets of Davao City.
“Instead of our usual downtown to Malagos watershed route, we are going to explore Davao’s urban routes. This is part of our advocacy to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation for Dabawenyos, especially since Davao City already has a Bicycle Ordinance,” said Ayala.
This year’s theme is Climate Ride: Sustainable Transportation, Sustainable Climate which coincides with the National Bicycle Day.
Interface Development Interventions, Inc. Executive Director Ann Fuertes said they will focus on the issue of climate change “and how urban residents, in our little ways, contribute towards decreasing our carbon footprint.”
Former Philippine Sports Commission Chair Butch Ramirez is expected to grace the event and will give a short talk on the vision for a bicycle-friendly Philippines after the race.
The Fun Ride will begin and end at People’s Park. Its 40-kilometer route will take participating cyclists along some of the city’s green spaces, like the Dacudao Tree Avenue, portions of the Diversion Road and the newly rezoned Shrine Hills EcoZone.
Race Director Dominic Carpio, of the Federation of Off Road Cycling Enthusiasts (FORCE), said that this year’s Fun Race, a regular fixture during FOTE, will also offer participants the chance to explore portions of Shrine Hills.
“The Fun Race will start at Magtuod, and pass through Langub, Hilltop and end at Las Terrazas.”, he said.
Carpio said the fun race will consist of different categories such as Junior (17 years old and below); Masters (40 years old and above) and Fat Boys Rider (85kgs. above and fat look).
Special awards will be given to the Oldest Rider, Youngest Rider, Heaviest Rider, Turtle Rider and for the Biggest Delegation in Costume. These will all be awarded at the People’s Park where a short program, lunch, raffle and fellowship will follow after the race.
Proceeds from this event will help in the conduct of the 4th Lunhaw Awards, Davao’s multi-sectoral awards for green initiatives; the Adopt-A- Site project of the Davao City Water District; and the installation of bike racks in selected areas in Davao City.
The FOTE is annually organized by the Cycle for Life, Davao City Water District (DCWD), Federation of Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts (FORCE), Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS), PhilCycling, Office of Councilor Leo R. Avila III, Watershed and Environmental Protection Coalition of Davao (WEPCD), and the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC). (davaotoday.com)
