Cycling to Work: The Benefits of Sustainable Transport

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many people on how important it is to take care of one’s health and well-being. More than its impacts on the way people live and work, this global health situation became a reminder of how communities play an important role in prioritizing the health and safety of families and individuals.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy community is a prepared community. The best way of preparing for potential outbreaks in the future is by ensuring that the health of the overall community. Experts say that even without the existence of health emergencies or threats, public health should be one of the main priorities of local authorities and national governments. This includes the continuous promotion of good nutrition, physical activity, and proper hygiene.

READ MORE: The Importance of Public Health in Communities

With the increased anxiety brought about by the pandemic, the way people have chosen to move has drastically changed. As public transportation became less ideal under strict social distancing and health protocols, BBC reported that individuals have returned to the most basic form of mobility: cycling or biking—leading to the “great bicycle boom of 2020.”

The momentum of the rising interest in non-motorized transport has led to a dramatic decrease in air pollution by 60%. The World Bank urged more countries to sustain the shift given its greater social benefits, pollution reduction, and better urban livability.

Pushing Forward Sustainable Transport

Apart from the increased demand, providing safer roads for bikers has been extremely challenging. High fatality rates were recorded due to the unreadiness of most cities when it comes to non-motorized vehicles. In the Philippines, cycling advocates have called for fund allocation of at least 16 million dollars from the government to build 190 miles of bike lane to protect riders. 

Biking groups also challenged the use of face shields while on the road as it obscures a biker’s vision. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities wants policymakers in the country to accommodate these alternative modes of transportation rather than fronting the dangers of cycling. 

The pushback enabled a key collaboration with private corporations. Through their concerted efforts, the Department of Transportation has recently released a bike manual. This covers road safety, courtesy, and etiquette between cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians based on guidelines aligned with key agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Move as One Coalition. 

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Benefits and Sustainability of Biking

Several benefits for individuals who adopt the lifestyle change prove to be universal especially in countries that are committed to the shift. Apart from reducing the exposure from COVID-19, cycling is good for the economy as local retailers can benefit from all biking-related sales. 

With a global pandemic, the premium on keeping in shape and staying healthy has dramatically increased as well. Biking lets you engage in a low impact, adaptable exercise and proved to be a great way to lose weight as it burns approximately 400-700 calories per hour.

Sustainability is often attached to non-motorized vehicles due to a massive reduction in carbon footprint. Biking also results in a drop in air pollution, creating cleaner air and a healthier environment for all. It is also a more affordable option to move around and takes less time. 

There are also very real mental health benefits to riding a bike. In the UK, most individuals have found that it is a good way to destress and clear the mind while taking in your surroundings safely. Aerobic exercises such as cycling can lead to improved cognition and memory that will boost motivation and productivity at work.

With the impressive rundown of benefits, premium green workplaces in the Philippines such as JEG Tower have provided biking racks for their occupants. This encourages employees to cycle to work to reap the many health and economic benefits. Furthermore, they have shower rooms available for use so people can freshen up before they start the day’s work. 

As one of Cebu’s LEED-accredited office and commercial towers, it is committed to harnessing a healthy and less polluted environment by providing quality spaces that encourage sustainable practices while equally serving its local community. 

READ MORE: The GREEN Advantage: How do green buildings contribute to pandemic resilience?

Join the sustainable shift and make your move to the best and greenest workplace in Cebu. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

Why Sustainable Transportation Matters For A Greener Philippines

A more sustainable future is being pursued in most urban areas and metropolitans in the Philippines. Beyond real estate, the push for green extends to how people move around and touches on alternatives that are eco-friendlier and more resilient.

Sustainable transportation takes into consideration the effects of mode of travel on the environment and climate. One of its many benefits is in the improvement of air quality in these cities as fewer vehicles travel, effectively reducing pollution. This also decreases greenhouse gases emission and makes major thoroughfares less congested for easier mobility.

There are also wellness and health benefits for individuals who adopt the lifestyle of biking or cycling, carpooling, and the use of electric scooters to get to places. It is known to improve cardiovascular performance and help in stress reduction especially with the mental strain brought about by the pandemic.

Through the utilization of sustainable transport, noise pollution is also dramatically reduced. According to a study, loud sounds are known to increase stress hormone levels. The longer that these hormones remain in the bloodstream, the higher the risk of acquiring physiological diseases.

It is also more cost-efficient as you can save on fares, gas, or car maintenance expenses. Experts claim that the adoption of sustainable transport alternatives can create more job opportunities for people working in construction, design, technology, and manufacturing.  

The Future of Micro-mobilities and Wellness

The Asia Pacific region is yet to further explore the potential of micro-mobilities sharing such as electric scooters. According to MIT, this is due to the lack of infrastructure and cost that can allow it to prosper such as charging stations or designated parking spaces.

However, more LEED buildings are supportive of the shift to sustainable transportation. Cycling or biking becomes the go-to focal point as a study shows that it also plays a positive role in paving the way for the development of environmentally sustainable cities. After all, bikes have small road space allocation and a relatively low energy requirement in production and maintenance.

Similarly, developments in the country such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia is doing their part in the global zero-emission movement to reduce carbon footprint. The LEED pre-certified Silver building has allocated a space for bike racks to entice more occupants to join in on the green initiative.

Moreover, as part of JEG Development Corporation’s wellness program, employees are encouraged to own a bike through the budget assigned and use it for transport. It has also become an effective social activity that is advantageous for the physical and mental fitness of the team.

In the post-lockdown landscape, mobility proves to be a crucial point of consideration in the road to a more sustainable future. Improving resilience and transitioning to a low-emissions setting through a green recovery will reduce the risk of pandemic vulnerability and can have the potential to boost economic activity.

Gearing towards a more sustainable workplace? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.