Week 12: Talking to Strangers is #BetterByBicycle
I have been in and out of Metro Manila the past couple of weeks attending bicycle related events. I live about 35-40 km away from the venues and the roads to get there would require a lot of time and huge reservoir of stamina. I need to pass by Antipolo City, the terrain involves plenty and long uphill climb. Being a foldie user, I always utilize a bi-modal transportation whenever I travel to long distance destinations. So the drill would be, from the house, I ride to the bus or jeep station, fold my bike, alight at the bus / jeep terminal, unfold my bike, turn on my Strava, pin my destination in Google Maps, and ride away along with all types of automobiles on major thoroughfares in the city, inhaling all the smoke they spew from their belchers and praying that drivers would be considerate enough to yield to me when needed.
It's really tough being a bike commuter with the kind of transport infrastructure and policy that we have, much tougher when automobile drivers perceive they are entitled to be prioritized on the road. In principle, cyclists, pedestrians and vulnerable groups should be the priority in road usage, but in practice, it's the other way around. Welcome to the Philippines! Despite the mobility struggles and challenges, I still find cycling to be the best mode of transportation to move around the city. The sense of independence from slow-to-no moving traffic (so bad that it feels like a giant parking lot) and frequent oil price hike is something money can't buy. Oh the satisfaction I feel whenever I coast through a long line of cars in EDSA is priceless.
My frequent visits to the Metro recently provided me an opportunity get connected to various sustainable and inclusive transportation advocates and helped me strengthen my desire to work for a better transport systems through research and influencing. But I meet them on the events that I go to.
During my rides though, I also randomly get greetings, safe ride wishes and small talks with fellow cyclists. One time, a gentleman on a similar folding bike slowly pass by me and told me to "ride safe po", then there was this instance that a middle aged man ride beside, me on a bike lane, following my pace and started a small talk. He initially asked me where the road that leads to New Manila is, and I said I don't know as I am not a resident of Metro Manila. He went to ask where I'm from, and talked about his group rides in my hometown. He was also a trifold bike user and when I asked if it's feasible with our bikes to ride with the kind of terrain we have to pass through, he confidently answered YES and encouraged me to try it. Now remember that he is a middle aged man, I am always inspired to see people from his age group touring with bicycles. When we reached a fork road, we parted ways, wishing each other a safe ride. Another time, another cyclist passed by me, complimenting my Astroboy reflector, and wishing me a safe ride. Yes, there's always a well wishes for safe ride. Oh you have to pray really hard and wish everyone a safe ride with the kind of road behavior most drivers have. Fortunately, I haven't encountered a creepy cyclist or motorist, but I do imagine that some female cyclist would encounter these kind of people while cycling. The strangers I chance upon during my rides always come from a place of concern for my safety, and these kind of random encounters make the ride extra special because it strengthens my faith in humanity.
P.S.
I have no photos of these encounters for obvious reason that I was riding and I needed to be present all the time, plus I use my phone as GPS - hence it is mounted on my handle bar.
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