Bikers urged to register

CEBU, Philippines — The planned bike registration in the City of Cebu will be free but those unregistered cyclists will be fined once the registration starts, the Sugbo Bike Lanes Board clarified.

This is in response to the comments and reactions of bikers and other Cebuanos and netizens when the SBLB asked for a public opinion if they agree to it.

The mandatory registration and licensing of bicycles in Cebu City is made following the passage of the City Ordinance 2408, the city’s Public Information Office said.

SBLB executive director Bernard Maraasin said they are still in the process of convincing more bikers to register their bikes.

Maraasin explained that the mandatory registration of bicycles is necessary as a way for the city to have its own database of bikers.

The database collected by the city will be used in coming up with more programs in relation to active transport.

“We have to know kung pila gyud ka cyclists sa Cebu City, pila sad ka cyclists outside sa taga-gawas. By having that kind of data, makita nato kung asa nato ibubo ang atong focus sa atong mga projects,” Maraasin said.

The mandatory registration of bikes is also aimed at preventing bike thefts as well as easier apprehension of bikers for any traffic violations committed.

The SBLB is looking at tapping the barangays where bikers can visit and have their bikes registered.

SBLB is also in talks with the Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) to come up with an online portal where bikers can have their bikes registered.

Even those residing outside Cebu City, are also urged to register.

Once they start full implementation of the ordinance, bikers who have not registered before the city could be apprehended and fined. —/GMR (FREEMAN)