As far as stunt journalism goes, this one is impressive. I mean, would you even entertain the idea of riding a bicycle to work, in this weather, from Bicutan to Mandalyong using Edsa?
No, right?
But broadcast journalist Patrick Paez, head of TV5’s news production and host of the TV documentary show Kaya, did just that.
We chat with Paez on this hot Thursday afternoon.
So Mr Paez, in the coming episode of Kaya, kinaya mong mag-bike from Bicutan to Mandaluyong. Was it your first time to do that?
Yes, first time. Though I’d like to think I’m more experienced than the average bicycler. I wouldn’t recommend it to the casual rider. It can be scary going with the flow of buses, jeepneys, cars, motorcycles and people.
Bicycler, is that even a word?
Ahh…just now. I hesitate to use “cyclist” because I don’t race and live in spandex.
How long did the trip take?
Sixteen kilometers usually takes me under an hour by car. That one time, I rode it for an hour and ten minutes. Not bad. The bicycle will go 15 to 20kph, a lot slower than a car, but then I dont get stuck in traffic.
What day and time did you start, and can you walk us through your route?
It was a weekday, Monday morning, rush hour, past 7am. That sort of simulates real time situation. From my house in Parañaque to Mandaluyong. I passed the service road and went through Bonifacio Global City before exiting Guadalupe for that short Edsa ride with the buses before turning to Mandaluyong.
How difficult was it?
Mornings are not hot but the pollution will get to you. I saved 70 pesos on gas money and another 49 pesos for toll. But if you work nine to five you’ll need to take a shower and bring an extra shirt. I guess your body will adjust if you do it regularly. You won’t get as tired and won’t sweat as much.
On Wednesday last week, as part of the shoot, I rode with a lawyer who works at the Court of Appeals. He bikes to work everyday for 12 kilometers. He doesn’t shower again, just uses Wet Ones to wipe off the sweat and grime and puts on his barong. Cool.
We also shot (but i didn’t ride with) Kiko Escora, the godfather of local fixed gear scene. In his case, bike commuting should be less stressful since he doesn’t work nine-to-five in an office.
How are the MMDA bike lanes on Edsa?
The MMDA bike lanes are silly, to say the least. But they’re a start. The one in Magallanes reeks of urine. I guess people find more use for the Edsa sidewalks as urinals rather than bike lanes. Old habits die hard.
Bike lanes are necessary for people who don’t bike to work. It’s to encourage them. Manila’s streets can be scary, but many bike to work just the same. Mostly construction workers. You see them everywhere. The reason is simple economics. They make 400 to 500 pesos a day. They live outside the metro. Taking the bus or jeepney will cost them up to 100 pesos a day. That’s a huge cut off their basic pay. Unlike other low income earners, construction workers live far outside the metro (like Rizal, Laguna, Cavite) but have to work in the city where all the construction are.
What will it take for it to catch on with office workers?
Office showers and bike lanes. Pinoys can navigate the streets but they’ll feel icky going to work sweaty. But it should all fall in place eventually. The rise of condo living means people are now living more closer to their place of work. The short distance makes it easy to commute by bicycle.
Will you do it again?
No. I live in the ‘burbs…..if i lived in Salcedo Village, maybe. I’ll probably do it again as a whim.
Padyak Bike Commuting Dokumentaryo ni Patrick Paez airs on Kaya this Saturday, Apr 5, 10.30pm, on TV5.
