By HENRY EMPEÑO | June 29, 2021

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Local cycling groups have agreed with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to enforce self-regulation and promote responsible biking in this free port a week after several bikers were injured in an unsanctioned race here.

In a meeting with local bikers last Saturday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma called for the creation of volunteer marshals to police bikers’ ranks and enforce discipline while biking in Subic.

“These volunteer marshals would be the eyes and ears of your groups to stop illegal bike races here, and they will be deputized by the SBMA,” Eisma said.

She added that the marshals will have direct contact with SBMA law enforcers for better monitoring and speedy action.

The proposal came to light after an illegal bike race was organized at the San Bernardino Road here on June 19 by a public-school teacher from Olongapo City.

It was billed by the organizer to be a “friendly race” with a P20 entry fee for participants under three categories: mountain bike male, road bike female, and road bike male.

But the race apparently lacked safety measures, as a video that went viral on social media showed racers overtaking a container truck and taking a spill as they converged on one lane to overtake the vehicle.

Several bikers, including a 14-year-old who reportedly sustained concussion, were injured as a result.

The SBMA said the race did not have any permit and hence was illegal. It subsequently closed San Bernardino Road to bikers for “wanton disregard of safety” and “violation of health protocols being enforced in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.”

In a June 19 advisory, Chairman Eisma said the reopening of San Bernardino to bikers “will be subject to the implementation of proper procedures that will govern such activities.”

“As much as we encourage exercise and other physical activities among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and take pride that Subic has become a popular destination for biking, we cannot allow activities that may endanger the life and limb of the public while they are inside the SBMA’s jurisdiction,” she added.

The SBMA chief reiterated her call for safety in Saturday’s dialogue and pointed out that only responsible cycling can prevent a repeat of the accident—a point well-received among the road bike and mountain bike enthusiasts present during the consultation.

In the same forum, renowned triathlete coach Melvin Fausto fielded suggestions on rules that may be set for cyclists in Subic and pointed out that creating bike lanes would not be enough, and that self-discipline would be the key to having a safe and enjoyable bike ride.

Also present in the dialogue was 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist John Leerams Chicano, a resident of Olongapo City. ~

TOP PHOTO: SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma stresses the need for safety and discipline during a dialogue with bikers in the Subic Bay Freeport