Friday, November 9, 2012

Bike Sharing System in PH?

It's a privileged for me to attend the Bicycle Sharing System Training course in ADB as part of their Transport Forum. In a perspective of an avid commuter since my college days (almost a decade) all you can wish is to have a better and greener transportation. As you get to travel and envy those countries who has Bus Rapid Transportation, Amazing Railway system, and even to have their own bicycle lanes, all I can wish for is when are we going to have this in our country? Sounds insecurity but for me it gives me vision for a greater Philippines.

As our facilitator discuss the Bicycle Sharing System, he told us that engaging the government is a big factor including political will. Yes, I agree to this! Political will to implement, engage people, and think of a greener environment without any political motive. As of today, countries like Paris, China, South Korea, and US are into this kind of Bicycle system. More countries in Asia like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia are looking into this kind of transportation system. Changwon, South Korea has most upgraded technology in their Bicycle system. My only hope is that, we can get to have a pilot area with this kind of project so that we can introduce this to the public.

The technology can be so costly but the long term effect is good. Less carbon emission, maybe less traffic, and more efficient. It's better to make bicycle stations near public transportations like MRT, establishments like malls, parks, interesting sites, and even universities to be more accessible. One of our facilitator Mr. Bradley said that we need to market this like iPhone. We need to make Bicycle Sharing System sexier in the eyes of public. Breaking the culture and mindset with a new thing might be a challenge to the LGU and the operator but why not take the risk? We'll never know unless we get out of our comfort zone and try something new.

Successful public transportation is when we see different people from different social class using it. In a world full of pollution, increasing population, all we can do is to make our world a better place to live for us and to our family.

"GOING GREEN IS NOT JUST A TREND BUT IT'S A RESPONSIBILITY!" -DecoBike