Use bicycles

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

THE continued rise of oil prices is hurting the global economy, especially developing countries like the Philippines. The surge in prices has been affecting other goods and the most affected are the middle and poor classes. There have been talks of a global recession and this will impact even on rich countries like U.S., Japan, U.K., Canada and Australia.

Here in the Philippines, the price of unleaded gas, which I use for my two vehicles, is P55.80 per liter and still expected to rise.

I now seldom use my four-wheel ride now and instead ride my motor bike because it uses less gas yet takes me to where I want to go.

I also plan to ride my bicycle again, not to train for the annual biggest bikathon because I’m already too old for that career, but to beat the surging oil prices. Not only that, cycling is very good for the heart and one of the best exercises especially for aging people like me, according to my private physician Dr. Demosthenes Ydia. I plan to bring my old Peugeot bike here from Guam, the bike that made me ‘king of the road’ three times and so I can ride with Dr. Ydia, the leader of a cycling group here in Pangasinan called the “Sunday Bikers.”

I have talked to my cumpadre Al Mendoza and 2nd Engineering District czar Rodolfo ‘Boy” Dion, both former amateur riders, Sta. Barbara municipal administrator Albertini de Guzman, former San Jacinto dad Jun Cereno and PNP Supt. Amando Lagiwid who all agreed with me that we must bring back the golden old days, when the bicycle was a still everyone’s means of transportation.

We should not be bothered by the heat or even the rains as long as we know we are saving energy, not contributing to pollution and saving money in the process.

But I doubt I can convince my other media friends and cycling fanatics like Jun V, Rhee Hortaleza, Recah Trinidad Orly Guirao, Joel Balolong, Rannie Manaois, my boss Ermin, my bayaw Dagupan City hizzoner Al Fernandez Jr., Dagupan City Allied Bank manager Edgar Tacadena, my other cumpadre Angel Gumarang, Boy Rayos, Dagupan City alderman Chito Samson and former Pantal barangay chair Gary Rayos.

Councilor Chito Samson, Gary Rayos and the late Manny Vent Cornel were the founders of the Dagupan City Cycling Club.

During their leadership, the club was very active. With its new leaders now, the group has been virtually stagnant.

Soon many will realize that returning to the good old days will become reality because this country is prepared to cope with this big energy problem.

And I believe that soon, bicycles will be in great demand because many of you will soon realize that the best option still is to buy the two-wheeled pedal-pushed machine for you and your family for its many benefits. If that does not appeal to you, not, buy a motorcycle but don’t forget to wear a helmet.

Think about it. 

(Readers may reach columnist at biking.jess@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/sports-eye/
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