Quezon City (QC) has raised its standards in promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transportation by starting with a database for all riders.

City Ordinance SP 2988-2020, under Section 7 of the QC Safe Cycling Ordinance, provides for the implementation of the voluntary bike registration program.

The Green Transport Office – Bicycle and Active Transport Section (GTO-BATS) shall initiate the establishment of a database that shall maintain all pertinent information on cyclists and active transport users for purposes of continuous improvement of the safe cycling and active transport program of the city, the ordinance stated.

Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) head, Elmo San Diego, said the program can help riders locate their bikes in case of loss or theft, and assist them in case an accident happens.

“The importance of this bike registration program is to help our bikers in case their bicycles cannot be located or are stolen. We can aid them and they can avail of the assistance of the police in investigating missing bikes because the owners can readily present a certificate of ownership issued by DPOS,” San Diego said in a statement.

Active transport, according to the ordinance, refers to physical transport means that includes manual and electronic-assisted modes of transportation like e-bikes and e-kick scooters, aside from bicycles.

“As an advocate of active transportation, I encourage bikers and bike riding groups to register their bicycles through this program for us to be able to assist them and ensure their safety,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

The fee for the voluntary registration is PHP150. A sticker will be issued by the DPOS-GTO for identification purposes. (PNA)