Bike tourism could be a big player in recovery plans for the tourism industry. This would be part of regional tourism circuits, where clusters of destinations are connected by a network of infrastructure.
In the case of bike tourism, roads and trails would link scenic locations for cyclists to enjoy. The campaign is being spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Region XI (DOT XI) in Davao City.
“Bike tourism in Davao can become a very viable attraction for both local and foreign tourists. Besides the usual routes that highlight the beauty of Davao’s natural environment, we can also do historical tours of structures, obelisks and markers that date back to our pre-war American and Japanese times,” said Igy Castrillo, and avid cyclist who works in public relations and book publishing.
Castrillo, who is helping DOT-XI in developing bike tour routes, said that they can further develop cultural tours that include visits to one or more of the nine museums that focus on the rich ethnic heritage and biodiversity of the region.
Many individuals have turned to biking, especially during the pandemic, as a way to get some much needed exercise safely (in an open air environment), while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
Biking is a very good cardio exercise and one that is relatively accessible to just about everyone cost-wise. A shortage of public transportation during the lockdowns also triggered the surge of individuals turning to biking as means of transportation.
In Davao, some of the spots that have become favorites for bikers include Lantaw Dabaw, an elevated bike stop located in Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan which gives bikers a commanding vista of Davao City and Davao del Norte.
Another biking location is Barangay Gatungan, where an uphill ride provides bikers a panoramic view of Callawa Davao City. There’s also the Nenitas Trail in Catigan, Toril, where adventurous riders can take in some awesome rustic scenery.
Last year, the local government of Davao City thru its City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has demarcated bike lanes in major thoroughfares around the city and which have been used by many cyclists.
Aimed at promoting cycling in the city, the bike lanes in Davao City were put in place in accordance (in accordance with the provisions..) to the provisions of an existing Bicycle Ordinance signed in 2010.
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, the Department of Transportation (DoTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they would jointly work on the installation of bollards as protective barriers, lighting on bicycle paths, and painting of lanes, as part of the government’s bicycle lane project to ensure the safety of the cyclists.