(SPOT.ph) The pandemic made access to public transportation in Metro Manila far worse than it already was. And so urban dwellers resorted to biking to get from Point A to Point B—with some rediscovering their love for the sport and others forced to acquire the life skill of balancing on the two-wheel ride. While it may take some time before the Philippine capital is 100% bike-friendly, there are already some good spots for biking whether you’re just passing through or really spending some time to exercise your leg muscles.
Also read:
10 Biking Destinations Around Metro Manila
10 Places Where You Can Buy Bicycles in Manila
Where to Rent Bikes in Manila If You're Not Ready for the Commitment
Here 10 bike-friendly places and biking routes in Metro Manila:
C6 Bike Lane (Taguig)
The Laguna Lake Highway, formerly known as C6 Road, was launched in November 2018 to connect the towns of Rizal to the eastern part of Metro Manila and cut travel time from Bicutan to Taytay. Three months later, a 5.8-kilometer protected bike lane that takes up about three meters of the road was launched to provide a safe space for bikers. It is separated from the highway with a planting strip, and it's got plenty of streetlights and road signage. Because of its location, it's a favorite among cyclists who want to head to mountain bike trails near the Metro.
Intramuros (Manila)
Intramuros is home to the famous Bambike HQ, which lets you ride around the Walled City's cobblestone streets on a rented bamboo bike. Its streets are also safe enough for you to go on your own two-wheel ride. You can stop by famous monuments along the roads and learn more about our history, or lock your ride onto a bike rack near one of the restaurants for a hearty Filipino lunch.
Marikina River Park
The 220-hectare Marikina River Park is a complex of playgrounds, trails, and parks along the Marikina River. It features a wide pavement that stretches for 11 kilometers, perfect for easy bike rides amid well-kept patches of greens and trees. The expansive public space also features an amphitheater and floating stages for cultural events, pocket gardens, picnic grounds, a baseball field, a basketball court, and a skating rink. There are also a lot of benches around for when you just want to rest your legs and take in the fresh air.
Filinvest City (Muntinlupa)
Bikers in the south can check out the Filinvest Mountainbiking Trail for a good dose of adrenaline-pumping fun. It boasts eight different courses, from one that's riddled with steep uphills and drop sections to a pathway that runs along a flowing stream. But if you'd rather stay on the road, you can weave between shopping malls, hotels, parks, and residential spaces in Filinvest's 244-hectare mixed-use development that features dedicated bike lanes and ample bike racks.
Bonifacio Global City (Taguig)
Bonifacio Global City is one of the most bike-friendly spots in Metro Manila. Between rows of your favorite retail stores and dining spots are roads with special bike lanes, including 2nd Avenue, 11th Avenue, 28th Street, 30th Street, 31st Street, and Rizal Drive. On weekends, some of the streets are closed to traffic so that bikers can enjoy riding with ease. Plus, there are plenty of bike racks in the area to make sure that your two-wheeler is safe if you're heading inside the malls. The street art, courtesy of Bonifacio Arts Foundation, also makes for great photos with your sleek bike.
Greenhills Active Playground (San Juan)
Greenhills Active Playground, which was launched on September 17, 2020, features dedicated bike and jogging lanes within the Greenhills Mall complex. It is open 24/7, which is perfect if you want some early-morning exercise. One lap is already equivalent to one kilometer. There are also designated parking spaces for bikers if you need to take a break and dine or shop inside the mall.
Capitol Commons (Pasig)
Capitol Commons features open spaces, refreshing landscaping, and bike-friendly streets where you can take in some fresh air after running some errands at the mall. The 10-hectare mixed use development recently opened their weekend night market called Capitol Commons After Sundown. Bikers can chain their bikes onto the available racks, which also have their own safety chains covered with foam for extra protection. Guards are present to look after the bicycles while you enjoy a meal or two.
University of the Philippines - Diliman (Quezon City)
Pre-pandemic, the University of the Philippines Diliman campus' Academic Oval was closed to traffic on Sundays to make way for bikers and joggers wanting to conquer the two-kilometer loop. We may have to wait for quarantine restrictions to ease before the university's public spaces reopen. But it's only a matter of time before we once again bike down the wide road covered with vibrant fire trees that bloom in the summer. You can even expand your route and go to other parts of the campus, like the Science Complex and Heartbreak Hill—named after the tiring ascent route of the Boston Marathon.
Ortigas Center (Pasig)
After the Makati Central Business District, Ortigas Center is perhaps the second most important business district in the Metro. It's dotted with high-rise office buildings, condominiums, hotels, malls, and other establishments. Going around the area on two wheels is made easy because of dedicated bike lanes separated with white lines and orange bollards. In March, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto shared plans of splitting an entire third car lane of Doña Julia Vargas Avenue and converting it to separate lanes for motorcycles and for bicycles. The project is already underway in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Circulo Verde (Quezon City)
A riverfront community along the border of Quezon City and Pasig, Circulo Verde is open to bikers who just want to casually bike around a safe space that side of the Metro. It also has a pump park and an urban outdoor bike trail for when you want to practice sweet tricks on your BMX.
Bonus:
The Alley at Karrivin (Makati)
While not exactly a biking area, The Alley at Karrivin along Chino Roces Avenue is a favorite dining pitstop among cyclists. It’s a bike-friendly oasis in the middle of busy Makati, where you can park your folded bike beside your table at their outdoor but shaded dining space. There’s also a bike rack within the compound so you don’t have to worry about your ride. The Alley at Karrivin's red-tiled alley features Poison, Aphro, Panaderya Toyo, Lanai, and more.
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Source: Spot PH
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