San Juan launches solar-powered bike pit stop

MANILA, Philippines — The San Juan government on Wednesday launched the country’s first solar-powered bicycle pit stop and bike-sharing program for city hall workers.

Mayor Francis Zamora led the opening of the bike pit stop along Pinaglabanan street.

The local government has passed ordinances to promote biking as an alternative mode of transport as well as to protect bikers. It had also put up infrastructures such as bicycle lanes.

San Juan was recently chosen as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country in the first Mobility Awards.

Zamora said they would launch early next year the historical bike trail traversing landmarks in the city.

He said the trail would enable bikers to pass through landmarks such as the Pinaglabanan Shrine, Museo ng Katipunan, El Deposito Museum and El Deposito Underground Tunnel.

The program, according to Zamora, aims to boost local tourism and promote the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation in the city.

“I want San Juan to be known as a historical destination. I believe the city is underrated in terms of historical significance. San Juan has a very rich history,” Zamora told reporters.

The trail will also pass by the two oldest churches in San Juan – St. John the Baptist and Santuario del Santo Cristo – as well as other landmarks such as Club Filipino, Greenhills Mall Loop and the Marcos Mansion of the late dictator’s family.