Driving and even commuting to and from work or home is practically a nightmare in Metro Manila. With traffic that easily rivals the likes of Bangkok, we’re slowly realizing that adding more cars to the road isn’t the best idea. Despite some improvements in ride sharing options, much of our public transportation choices leave much to be desired. So, for the better, many office-goers are considering biking to work, and making cycling a part of their daily lives. So for all those riders out there, here are a few tips for biking #WhenInMakati.
8. Don’t be intimidated by four wheels
Yes that is a car, but you do have the right of way. The Philippines may not have bikers’ rights yet but it doesn’t mean the driver who tried to hit you can’t face charges.
7. Know your rights
A biker is still considered a pedestrian so there are instances where you should get right of way at certain corners, and especially in shared roads. Pay no mind to the honkers behind you.
6. Keep a cool head
It’s easy to fall trap into rash actions if you let your road rage get the best of you. You have the upper hand, so keep it light and snake through the traffic. Keeping your cool also affects those around you, and matters are resolved as quickly as they are ignited.
5. Focus, focus, focus
Your mind needs to constantly be on the road. Take it off for a few seconds and you could find yourself in an accident. With the erratic traffic, motorists will zoom in and out of lanes, or worse, step on the brakes when you least expect it. So be alert, be very alert.
4. Develop a “sixth sense”
Apart from focusing all your senses on the road, it’s also using your sense of foreshadowing. You need to “see” in advance the possible route of actions of those sharing the road with you; whether this pedestrian will sprint or stop, whether the taxi beside you will swerve or stay in his lane.
3. Be sure that all your parts are in working condition
Even if you feel like your brakes are a bit off, be sure to pass by a nearby bike shop to have it fixed. It’s better to be out there as a warrior when your arsenal is full. Loose brakes or even a bouncy back wheel could be the end of your bike once it decides to fall apart mid-trip.
2. Know your back roads
When Ayala Avenue is full to the brim with cars, choose other routes that will cut through residential areas like Legaspi and Salcedo roads. You can even hit the back roads of San Antonio and Poblacion to get you to the next cities like Manila, Taguig and Mandaluyong.
1. Know when to fold
Sometimes, you just need to let the motorist win. A lot of vehicles will disregard your safety as a biker and still treat you as a car. As much as you want to go ahead and snake your way through them, there will be situations where your next move can be shortsighted. So, for those alanganin situations, best to give that next move to the car for now, rather than getting hit.
Biking around Makati can be gratifying. You discover new routes and new places almost every day, while being mobile. However, having home so close to your office or school is a huge convenience for anyone who prioritizes time for themselves and their loved ones. The San Antonio Residence offers a strategic location that provides access to main roads to major cities, especially Makati’s bustling business district.
On the other hand, the condo’s unique amenities including a B.O.N.D. Area, Gym, Infinity Pool, Outdoor Fitness Area, Hideaway Yard, Dance Studio, just to name a few, allow its residents to truly pursue their passion and spend time with what matters most to them. With their flexible payment terms and no down payment, living the life you’ve dreamed of is closer to reality.
As a biker, what other tips can you suggest?
