Kim Atienza gives tips to new bikers amid pandemic

Kim Atienza (Image: INQUIRER/Leo Sabangan II)

Television host and fitness enthusiast Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza is sharing his cycling tips with new bikers as the world enters a “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atienza’s tips come just as the government and fellow bikers encourage the use of bicycles as an important mode of transportation during the quarantine period and even after the health crisis dies down.

The TV host took to Instagram yesterday, May 22, to shared some “kuya advice” for those who are new to biking. Atienza’s tips are as follows:

1) Invest in a good helmet, it is the most basic thing you need after the bike.

2) Stay on the rightmost, slow lane, take your time and bike at your own pace.

3) Invest in bike LED lights and reflective clothing. The goal is for motorists to see you so they can avoid you.

4) Be predictable. stay on your lane and bike in a straight line as much as you can. Huwag pagewang gewang (Do not swerve). This will confuse motorists and other bikers as well.

5) Consider yourself a motor vehicle. Follow traffic rules and NEVER NEVER counterflow. When you counterflow, motorists do not expect you and chances are, they will hit you and you will DIE.

6) Be courteous to other riders and motorists. Be defensive and always stay humble.

7) Prayer works. Pray before the ride, during the ride and after the ride. The goal is to get to work and come home to your family, fitter, happier and in one piece.

8) Enjoy and embrace the new normal! You’ll see the benefits of healthier lungs, a stronger immune system, slimmer waistline and a more active sex life (with your spouse lang [only] ha).

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Atienza’s tips were accompanied by a video of him cycling without a mask, which he explained was because it was taken before the pandemic.

In a recently held online gathering, PhilCycling chair Bert Lina of Air21, 7 Eleven-Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines’ Ric Rodriguez, Go for Gold’s Jeremy Go and other cycling heavyweights encouraged the use of bikes and pledged their support for government efforts in setting up bike lanes on major roads.

Sen. Pia Cayetano last week filed Senate Bill No. 1518, which seeks to create a network of popup bicycle lanes and pathways. Earlier in 2016, Representatives Karlo Nograles and Jericho Jonas Nograles filed House Bill No. 174 seeking to establish a local bikeways office.

Cycling is being pushed by the government as part of its guidelines for the “new normal” due to restrictions on mass transportation.  /ra

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