As part of France’s global celebration of ideas and knowledge entitled “The Night of Ideas,” the Embassy of France to the Philippines is organizing a webinar discussing the challenges and opportunities in developing a culture of cycling in the Philippines.
Founded six years ago in France, the Night of Ideas has grown into a global event celebrating ideas, arts, culture, science and philosophy through debates, exhibits, performances, film screenings, and other creative, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural activities organized in countries across the world.
This year’s theme is “Proches” (“Closer”), allowing us to reflect on our relationship with each other and with our environment, especially during this pandemic which has forced several countries to close their borders and confine people and families in their homes.
In the Philippines, the Embassy of France joins local cycling groups and advocates, athletes, and representatives from the government and from the private sector or a webinar entitled “Closer by Cycling” on Thursday, January 28, 2021, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
With a limited public transport system due to the pandemic, more and more Filipinos are discovering a newfound appreciation for the bicycle as a mode of transportation and as a lifestyle. In response to the growing number of cyclists in the Philippines, local governments and urban centers have taken various initiatives to provide bicycle lanes and other infrastructure to facilitate travel on two wheels, but several opportunities and solutions remain untapped.
Confirmed speakers are: journalist, cycling advocate, and COVID-19 survivor Howie Severino, Roselle Rivera and Jack Yabut of the Firefly Brigade, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities Executive Director Renato Constantino, SM Bike-Friendly Initiative Project Lead Arturo Carballo, Jr., painter, artist and Iloilo cycling advocate Rock Drilon, French businessman and triathlete Cyril Rocke, Team David’s Salon cycling team member Joyette Jopson, Pasay City Chief of Staff Peter Pardo, and DOH Bureau of Health Cooperation Director Beverly Ho.
This webinar seeks to be an opportunity for concerned stakeholders to discuss the various issues related to cycling as a popular mode of transport, infrastructure and creating bike-friendly spaces, and its impact on health and on the environment.
This online event is open to the public, and will be streamed live on the French Embassy’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH
The Night of Ideas in the Philippines is made possible through the support of the Firefly Brigade, SM Supermalls, SM Cares, Siklista Ako TV, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Manila City Government, and Kapetolyo by SGD Coffee.