Workers urged to use bicycles

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/08/25/workers-urged-use-bicycles-493737
• Thursday, August 25, 2016

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A city official has encouraged workers to use bicycles when going to work.

This move is in line with the government's campaign to promote health of every Filipino and at the same time protect the environment.

In connection to this program, Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Jr. on August 4 filed before the city council the "Bicycle Use Ordinance" that seeks to promote the use of bicycles as a means of transportation to work among employees in the private and public sector.

Lazatin said promoting the use of bicycles will help in lessening air pollution, contribute in solving the traffic problem and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle among the citizens.

Under the proposed ordinance, employees riding bicycles to work will be granted a 30-minute window before they are considered late, taking into consideration the long travel time they will take in reporting for work.

The ordinance also enjoins the private sector to help in the promotion of bicycle use through the establishment of secure and ample parking spaces and facilities such as bike racks in all public and private commercial establishments.

The standard size of these facilities shall be determined upon the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations of the ordinance.

The proposed "Bicycle Use Ordinance" is just one of the pro-environment policies and programs pushed for by Lazatin.

Lazatin is also the main proponent of Ordinance no. 364 the regulation of the use of plastic bags and polystyrene foam (styrofoam) in the city, otherwise known as "An Ordinance Regulating the Use and Distribution of Plastic Bags and Prohibiting the Use of Polystyrene Foam Within the Territorial Jurisdiction of Angeles City."