For people who turned to biking as main transport, benefits outweigh drawbacks

Despite the dangers of cycling in Metro Manila, many people have opted to bike to work amid the coronavirus pandemic.

For them, the benefits of cycling far outweigh the drawbacks, especially with public transportation still not operating at full capacity.

In an episode of Better Normal PH, a gasoline station cashier, Janice Rañon, shared the advantages of biking as her main option for mobility.

While she worries about sharing the road with other vehicles, she does not let that stop her from enjoying the perks of being a cyclist.

READ: Stay safe on the road with these 3 biking tips

1. No more waiting for buses, jeepneys

The most draining part of the commute in Metro Manila is probably the long waiting times just to get on a bus or a jeep. It's even worse now that most vehicles will only accommodate half their usual passengers.

If you have a bike, however, rest assured you will get to your destination slowly but surely. As long as you keep pedaling, you know you are moving forward and not stuck in place indefinitely.

"Mas gugustuhin ko pa rin na mag-bike kasi nasanay na rin ako," said Janice, who used the first tranche of the Social Amelioration Program to buy a second-hand bicycle. "Mas gusto ko pa mag-bike na lang kaysa maghintay ng matagal sa labas."

READ: New to biking? Here are 10 things to remember before hitting the road

2. Saving up on fare expenses

Aside from gaining back the hours wasted in the commute, foregoing public transportation also meant that Janice could save up on fare expenses every day.

"Ang naaalala ko naka-200 pesos ako sa isang araw para lang makapasok sa trabaho. Sobrang gastos noon," she said.

Every peso counts in this time of health crisis, so she is happy to be able to send a little more cash to her family.

READ: Bikes, motorcycles to play important role for commuters under 'new normal'

3. Exercise is good for the body

Perhaps most surprising of all, Janice has gotten compliments since she started biking to work.

"Ewan ko kung jino-joke nila ako. Sabi gumaganda raw ako. Sabi ko hello, baka dahil nagba-bike lang ako kaya gumaganda, sabi kong ganoon," she said. "Naisip ko kaagad, iyon ba iyong effect ng pagba-bike ko, ganoon."

She knows it's good exercise and helps her be more conscious about hydrating. If it somehow helps her get that glow to boot, then it's pretty neat, right?

—MGP, GMA News