With tracks that offer majestic and scenic views, Nuvali has become a popular and preferred biking destination in the South.
Thus, Ayala Land has endeavored to pilot a Bike Smart Program in its Santa Rosa Laguna estate, where there are 45,000 bikers monthly traversing through the 42.1-kilometer bike lanes on its main and connecting roads.
“We decided to do a focused group discussion amongst bikers and the residents. We learned from that session that the main problem is a number of bikers does not follow the proper etiquette on the road. At the same time, some car riders also need to be courteous and give way to these bikers,” relates Nuvali project development manager Mark Manundo.
The program is designed to educate bikers about biking etiquette and advocate safe riding in the estates and, ultimately, everywhere else they go.
Athlete and cyclist Miko de los Reyes says it is a vital task to focus on biker education, “especially for the newbies, many of whom may not be aware of proper road etiquette.”
The Bike Smart Program highlights following road signs (and proper hand signals), wearing proper safety gear (helmet, eyewear, reflective gear, closed shoes), and responsible road sharing.
“Cycling can be fun but you have to be responsible enough to know your limitations and your skill level, as well as how to co-exist in a ‘bike-friendly environment/city’ by knowing the rules/safety etiquette and basic troubleshooting of your bike,” opines coach and professional mountain biker Parabanne “Bans” Mendoza.
To ensure road safety, new signages were put up along with “sharrows” or shared right of way markers on the shared roadway lanes in Nuvali. There is also a designated bike path with a separate area allotted for off-road biking that is pedestrian and jogger-friendly.
The program is inclusive of assistance to the biking community to make their experience in Nuvali a breeze. To provide ease to the bikers, various amenities are available for public use, such as bike racks.
Nuvali also has available bike repair stations at Solenad 1 and Camp N. Further, the estate boasts a Post-Crash Emergency Response Service and courteous security personnel to help with directions around the area.
Camp N Trail System is Nuvali’s ultimate destination for aspiring and advanced bikers. It features obstacles and challenges like the 8-kilometer track that serves as an introductory trail for mountain bikers. It also offers the Beginners’ Bike Skills Training to hone newbies’ biking skills. Since its launch in November 2020, it has served over 10,000 bikers.
The Bike Smart Program will be rolled out in all of the Ayala Land estates, including Vermosa in Cavite and Arca South in Taguig.