TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Councilor Kristian Wandag, who chairs the Matagoan Bike Fest committee, touted the event as a great avenue to promote cycling as a mode of active transport, and a driver for Tabuk’s tourism.
At the event committee meeting on Wednesday, Wandag pointed out the environmental and health benefits of promoting a biking culture, and how holding the bike fest as part of the Matagoan Festival boosts Tabuk’s tourism as it continues to bring hundreds of visitors from all over Luzon and beyond.
According to Wandag, annual bike events like the upcoming Matagoan Bike Fest and the Bodong Bike Fest last February, help in positively changing the perception of outsiders about Tabuk and have fostered appreciation for Tabuk’s culture and its beautiful sceneries and landscapes.
“Adu ti mangibaga nga the best bike trail dituy ayan tayu,” he said.
Wandag, who authored the ‘Tabuk City Safe Cycling and Active Ordinance of 2021’, is pushing for the establishment of infrastructure and facilities such as bike lanes and bike parks, and the holding of an annual ‘Bike Week’ to support and cultivate a biking culture in the city.
“The dream is to turn Tabuk City into the biking hub of Northern Luzon,” he said.
The councilor said that with the implementation of widening programs, the city’s roads can readily accommodate dedicated bike lanes to give a safe space to bikers.
With the Mayor’s support, Wandag hopes that bike lanes will be launched by November.
In the meantime, the official invites beginner and experienced cyclists alike to join the Matagoan Bike Fest 2023 on June 17. Registration is free for residents of Tabuk and Kalinga, and costs Php 350.00 for non-residents.
