Traffic congestion and air pollution are just two of the biggest problems on the roads of Manila today. Whether you take public transport or drive a car, going out on the road during rush hour will surely be a nightmare.
Which is why more people are now considering an eco-friendly way of getting around: biking. Sure, it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, but it will get you from point A to point B and back. The advantages? a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air, and less misery in traffic.
Planning on getting your first bike? There are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Here are 8 things to help you get started.

Biking to work? Finishing races? The first thing to consider is what you intend to do with the bike.
Each are built differently, and each has its own specialty. Folding bikes, for instance, are very compact and portable, which makes them good for commuting and bimodal transportation (currently, it is the only type of bike allowed to be boarded on the MRT and LRT)
For advanced bikers, fixed gear bikes or “Fixies” are also a good choice for commuting. It got its name from the lack of having a freewheel mechanism. Skid-stopping and going down steep hills can be tricky though, so if you’re a newbie, you might want to install a v-brake (the most common type of braking system for bikes) first.
Road bikes are well-suited for endurance or long-distance rides. With this, you can easily pick up speed and efficiently ride uphill with front and rear derailleurs. If you plan to join bike races in the future, this bike is for you.
If getting dirty on the trails is your thing, get yourself a mountain bike. These are built for all terrain and are equipped with shock absorbers to dampen the impact when landing jumps.
Buying your first bike is like buying your first car, so it’s best if you invest in quality. Think about your main type of riding, set your budget, check online reviews, and get the right size for you.

Always wear a helmet and a good pair of shoes before getting on the bike. Wear flat shoes and tuck the laces in so they don’t get caught in the chain or pedal that may cause injury. Wear reflective or bright clothing so you are highly visible to motorists and use padded shorts especially for long distances. When riding at night, use blinkers or bike lights.

No one’s stopping you from buying gadgets and accessories for your bike, and you can always stock up on accessories. You should, however, be smart on deciding on which ones you’ll actually be needing.
For starters, here are some of the most important accessories to have: a bell or horn, a water bottle, and a bag that could fit tools, a repair kit or extra inner tubes. If you’re riding to work or going on a long ride, a bigger bag would be necessary so you can pack the essentials (extra clothes, shoes, power bank, snacks).
It’s also always good to invest on waterproof bags, but if you want to do it the DIY way, you can pack your stuff inside re-sealable storage bags (like Ziploc) to keep everything dry. Keep in mind that the more stuff you bring, the heavier your ride will get, so pack light.

Before you start pedaling away, check if there are any loose bolts and be sure to tighten them up. Make sure that the brakes are working, and adjust them if needed. Inspect your tires for punctures before inflating to the correct tire pressure. The chain must also be clean and well lubricated. If you’re using a folding bike, make sure all clamps are securely locked.
A proper bike fit is essential for efficient riding. You will be able to go long distances without any problems with the correct bike fit. The saddle must be high enough so that only your toes touch the ground when seated. Adjust the seat and handlebar and ride around the block a few times until it feels comfortable.

Every cyclist should know the rules on the road. It may be the driver’s fault if you get hit by his car, but you will be the one injured if you’re lucky enough to survive.
Doing hand signals when turning is crucial. This will alert the driver behind you of your next move but be sure to first scan the road for rocks, potholes, or any obstruction that could make you fall off your bike. Before making your move, you may want to glance if the driver behind you has allowed you to get in their lane. You can thank the driver by simply smiling and waving at them. Following road signs and traffic signals, and staying on the bike lane are just as important.

Before doing long rides you must first build your leg muscles and improve your stamina. Start out by doing a 10-15 kilometer ride and increase the distance slowly every week to about 10 percent. Do not rush–slow progress is still progress, and you will be able to go faster eventually.
Pacing is the key to long distance rides. You can install a cyclometer on your bike to measure your speed and the distance you have covered.

There are different paths leading to your destination. When you are biking to work or school, it is best that you find a route that is least passed by vehicles. Quiet streets are always good for inexperienced cyclists. If you are using a smartphone, there are different applications that you can use to set your route and mark interesting places. Once you get comfortable with a route, you can then try out a different one. It would be smart to pass by roads that have bike shops–this will be very helpful in case you need to get something for your bike or have it repaired.

There is a saying that goes “If you want to ride fast, ride alone. If you want to ride far, ride together.” When you’re on the road, you’ll never know what’s going to happen even when you practice safety, that’s why it’s always good to have someone with you when biking. Biking with friends is always fun and a group of cyclists is more visible on the road especially at night.
Currently, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) maintains bike lanes along EDSA from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue and from Ortigas to Santolan (Northbound). There are also bike lanes along Commonwealth Avenue, and another from White Plains EDSA to Temple Drive.
The MMDA has also opened bike lanes from Remedios Circle to Adriatico Street and a 550-meter stretch from President Quirino Avenue to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Manila. Bike rentals have also been put up in different places under the “Bike-kadahan” scheme where one can rent a bike with a valid I.D. or leave their bike safely in the trailer, which can accommodate up to 50 bicycles.
Biking is fun, healthy, and promotes a greener environment. Now that you have all the basics down, you can go out and ride!

Traffic congestion and air pollution are just two of the biggest problems on the roads of Manila today. Whether you take public transport or drive a car, going out on the road during rush hour will surely be a nightmare.
Which is why more people are now considering an eco-friendly way of getting around: biking. Sure, it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, but it will get you from point A to point B and back. The advantages? a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air, and less misery in traffic.
Planning on getting your first bike? There are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Here are 8 things to help you get started.

Biking to work? Finishing races? The first thing to consider is what you intend to do with the bike.
Each are built differently, and each has its own specialty. Folding bikes, for instance, are very compact and portable, which makes them good for commuting and bimodal transportation (currently, it is the only type of bike allowed to be boarded on the MRT and LRT)
For advanced bikers, fixed gear bikes or “Fixies” are also a good choice for commuting. It got its name from the lack of having a freewheel mechanism. Skid-stopping and going down steep hills can be tricky though, so if you’re a newbie, you might want to install a v-brake (the most common type of braking system for bikes) first.
Road bikes are well-suited for endurance or long-distance rides. With this, you can easily pick up speed and efficiently ride uphill with front and rear derailleurs. If you plan to join bike races in the future, this bike is for you.
If getting dirty on the trails is your thing, get yourself a mountain bike. These are built for all terrain and are equipped with shock absorbers to dampen the impact when landing jumps.
Buying your first bike is like buying your first car, so it’s best if you invest in quality. Think about your main type of riding, set your budget, check online reviews, and get the right size for you.

Always wear a helmet and a good pair of shoes before getting on the bike. Wear flat shoes and tuck the laces in so they don’t get caught in the chain or pedal that may cause injury. Wear reflective or bright clothing so you are highly visible to motorists and use padded shorts especially for long distances. When riding at night, use blinkers or bike lights.

No one’s stopping you from buying gadgets and accessories for your bike, and you can always stock up on accessories. You should, however, be smart on deciding on which ones you’ll actually be needing.
For starters, here are some of the most important accessories to have: a bell or horn, a water bottle, and a bag that could fit tools, a repair kit or extra inner tubes. If you’re riding to work or going on a long ride, a bigger bag would be necessary so you can pack the essentials (extra clothes, shoes, power bank, snacks).
It’s also always good to invest on waterproof bags, but if you want to do it the DIY way, you can pack your stuff inside re-sealable storage bags (like Ziploc) to keep everything dry. Keep in mind that the more stuff you bring, the heavier your ride will get, so pack light.

Before you start pedaling away, check if there are any loose bolts and be sure to tighten them up. Make sure that the brakes are working, and adjust them if needed. Inspect your tires for punctures before inflating to the correct tire pressure. The chain must also be clean and well lubricated. If you’re using a folding bike, make sure all clamps are securely locked.
A proper bike fit is essential for efficient riding. You will be able to go long distances without any problems with the correct bike fit. The saddle must be high enough so that only your toes touch the ground when seated. Adjust the seat and handlebar and ride around the block a few times until it feels comfortable.

Every cyclist should know the rules on the road. It may be the driver’s fault if you get hit by his car, but you will be the one injured if you’re lucky enough to survive.
Doing hand signals when turning is crucial. This will alert the driver behind you of your next move but be sure to first scan the road for rocks, potholes, or any obstruction that could make you fall off your bike. Before making your move, you may want to glance if the driver behind you has allowed you to get in their lane. You can thank the driver by simply smiling and waving at them. Following road signs and traffic signals, and staying on the bike lane are just as important.

Before doing long rides you must first build your leg muscles and improve your stamina. Start out by doing a 10-15 kilometer ride and increase the distance slowly every week to about 10 percent. Do not rush–slow progress is still progress, and you will be able to go faster eventually.
Pacing is the key to long distance rides. You can install a cyclometer on your bike to measure your speed and the distance you have covered.

There are different paths leading to your destination. When you are biking to work or school, it is best that you find a route that is least passed by vehicles. Quiet streets are always good for inexperienced cyclists. If you are using a smartphone, there are different applications that you can use to set your route and mark interesting places. Once you get comfortable with a route, you can then try out a different one. It would be smart to pass by roads that have bike shops–this will be very helpful in case you need to get something for your bike or have it repaired.

There is a saying that goes “If you want to ride fast, ride alone. If you want to ride far, ride together.” When you’re on the road, you’ll never know what’s going to happen even when you practice safety, that’s why it’s always good to have someone with you when biking. Biking with friends is always fun and a group of cyclists is more visible on the road especially at night.
Currently, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) maintains bike lanes along EDSA from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue and from Ortigas to Santolan (Northbound). There are also bike lanes along Commonwealth Avenue, and another from White Plains EDSA to Temple Drive.
The MMDA has also opened bike lanes from Remedios Circle to Adriatico Street and a 550-meter stretch from President Quirino Avenue to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Manila. Bike rentals have also been put up in different places under the “Bike-kadahan” scheme where one can rent a bike with a valid I.D. or leave their bike safely in the trailer, which can accommodate up to 50 bicycles.
Biking is fun, healthy, and promotes a greener environment. Now that you have all the basics down, you can go out and ride!