With the continuous increase in fuel prices, people are now seeking alternative modes of transportation. Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong has been supportive of active transport because of its multiple benefits. Not only is it efficient, but it also promotes good health while being sustainable and environment-friendly.

In case the terms are unclear, light mobility refers to travel using vehicles (electric or nonmotorized) weighing less than 100kg. Meanwhile, active transport refers to physical activities performed to get to a destination (such as walking and cycling).

Taking this a step further, Baguio City councilors Lilia Fariñas, Maria Mylen Victoria Yaranon, Benny Bomogao, Levy Lloyd Orcales, and Betty Lourdes Tabanda want to propose an ordinance to encourage this by making the roads safer.

The objective is to localize DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-100, which serves as the guidelines of the national government for the development of a network of cycling lanes and walking paths.

Unlike the scorching heat in Metro Manila, the cooler climate of Baguio would make active transport a very pleasant experience. Promoting this kind of mobility would boost tourism as the city is packed with attractions such as Burnham Park, the Public Market, and the Night Market.

If people aren’t given more alternatives to get around, they’ll be driven to get their own cars and end up stuck in traffic with no space to park them. Even more far-off places such as Mines View Park, Marcos Mansion, and Camp John Hay would be more accessible to light mobility users if they wouldn’t get choked with all the cars.

With the groundwork laid out at the national level, it’s good to hear local governments supporting alternative modes of transport.