Riding a bike has now been a life skill we wish we should have learned earlier. With the current transportation restrictions in the country brought about by the pandemic, people are resorting to bikes to get from Point A to Point B without getting exposed too much to the virus.
Aside from being a dependable mode of transportation, riding a bike (and learning how to foremost), is a great workout and contributes positively to our Mother Earth.
Here are some bike-friendly areas in the city, as well as some biking destinations if you’d want to have a quick and refreshing ride.
University of the Philippines Diliman Academic Oval
UP’s Academic Oval is a two-kilometer stretch perfect for biking, walking, and jogging. The oval is surrounded by trees so you don’t have to worry much about the heat. They also have dedicated bike lanes so you’ll feel safe whenever you cycle.
Quezon Memorial Circle
Located in the Elliptical Road in Quezon City, the memorial circle is also a famous spot for bikers in the city. Bikers pose on the Quezon Memorial Circle’s 66-meter tall mausoleum “containing the remains of Manuel L. Quezon, the second official President of the Philippines” (Santos, 2020).
Aside from biking, visitors can also enjoy museums, playgrounds, cottages, and gardens for enjoyment and relaxation.
C-6 Bike Lane
Connecting the eastern part of Metro Manila to Rizal, the Laguna Lake Highway, formerly known as C6 Road, has a 5.8-kilometer protected bike lane that aims to provide a safe space for bikers. The bike lane “is separated from the highway with a planting strip, and it’s got plenty of streetlights and road signage” (De La Cruz, 2020).
Antenna Hill
Located in Binangonan, Rizal, this destination is perfect for biking veterans and beginners alike. You get some challenge in getting up the hill, but you can also expect to be compensated with the spectacular view of Laguna Lake and the rest of Rizal when you reach the top. You can also do side trips to the historic Petroglyphs, art galleries, and restaurants in Angono.
Timberland Heights
This destination is dubbed as the mountain biking capital of the Philippines. Timberland Heights has different trails catering to different skillsets of cyclists. The Wall, which is a two-kilometer paved road ascending up to the gates of Timberland is known to those who are fans of uphill climbs. There is also a Shotgun, a longer and tougher climb that will lead bikers to a scenic view of the city.
Timberland Heights also “often hosts mountain-biking competitions, especially since it is accredited by the International Mountain Biking Association” (De La Cruz, 2020).
Are you up for a challenge? Save this list for your next ride! Stay safe, friends!
References
De La Cruz, C. I. (2020). 10 Places Around Metro Manila To Visit If You Just Bought A Bike. Retrieved from https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/bike-friendly-places-metro-manila-sa833-20200927-src-spot?ref=article_reco_slide
Ferrer, L. (2021). Bookmark This: Just A Few Bike-Friendly Places Around Manila. Retrieved from https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/places-to-bike-in-manila-a1213-20210222?ref=home_feed_9
Santos, K. (2020). Biking Destinations in and around Manila. Retrieved from https://www.traveling-up.com/biking-destinations-in-manila/#Mt_Maarat_Timberland_Heights_Rizal