AAP Road Safety Launches “Kita-Kita Ka-Bisikleta”
On February 29, 2024, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) Advocacy Department, along with the Barangay Commonwealth Youth Councils, launched their collaborative effort to make streets safter for all road users via “Kita-Kita Ka-Bisikleta”.
“Kita-Kita Ka-Bisikleta” is an initiative that focuses on the safety and visibility of cyclists. This is the first time that the AAP Advocacy Department has held an initiative designed solely for bicycle users.
The program was led by the youth leaders of Barangay Commonwealth, with the launch being held at the Barangay Hall. The attendees for the initiative’s first-ever session were the barangay’s first-responders and different barangay staff members.
Antonio Pagulayan Jr., Development Management Officer V and Head of the Traffic Academy at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) graced the initiative’s launch as the special speaker. Mr. Pagulayan shared insights on basic traffic rules, along with bicycle do’s-and-don’ts, stressing the importance of bike visibility, especially on busy roads. He also highlighted the dangers of road crashes involving bikes, stressing the need to have presence of mind and to be responsible cyclists at all times.
“Thank you to the community of Barangay Commonwealth for supporting this initiative. I appreciate the active involvement of the youth council and to everyone present who has made this launch such a success,” said Cynthia Reyes, Head of AAP Advocacy. “It’s is very important that we instill road safety discipline and proper behavior towards traffic rules in our communities. I look forward to more road safety sessions with Barangay Commonwealth in the near future.”
At the end of the program, the Youth Council members distributed bike safety gear to the participants which included bike helmets, reflectorized vests, LED flashlights, and LED blinkers. All these items are essential for cyclists to keep safe and visible during both day and night rides.
The youth leaders thanked everyone for their attendance and participation. They also looked forward to more collaborations with the AAP Advocacy Department.
Last year, the Department of Transportation constructed 2-kilometer bike lanes as part of the expansion of active and public transport infrastructures in select parts of the Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
From 2017 to 2021, Commonwealth Avenue was dubbed as the “killer highway” with an average of 17 fatal crashes per year according to the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System of the MMDA. Bicycles were among the listed vehicles involved in road crashes that happened along this highway.
With “Kita-Kita Ka-Bisikleta” the AAP Advocacy aims to tap a new demographic of road users to help raise road safety awareness and education.
You can become part of this significant cause by becoming a road safety volunteer. Visit the official Facebook page of AAP Advocacy and sign up today @aaproadsafety. You may also contact the AAP Advocacy Department via email roadsafety@aap.org.ph or mobile number 0919-0735736.
