A group of biking enthusiasts launched the “Bacolod Bikers’ Stop and Health Station” Saturday, May 8, to offer free medical assistance to bikers frequenting the two mountainous barangays of the city.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said: “This is a very laudable project. As biking is at the height of its popularity in Bacolod, this number of enthusiasts also keeps on increasing and we must extend care and help for them. This is a community effort that strengthens our bond as a people and as a city. Let us support this project.”
The two bike stops are located in Koopeta Barangay Granada, and Kapehan in Barangay Alangilan. These two barangays have become favorite places for bike enthusiasts, a press release from the Bacood Public Information Office said.
Each bike stop, manned by three volunteer nurses, turns into a mini-clinic that offers free medical check-ups like blood pressure, and free first-aid kits for emergencies.
The bike stop also has assorted bike tools and accessories for free use of bikers in case of emergency or if they conveniently need some replacements.
The bike stop is now operating from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. every weekend.
The ceremonial launching on Saturday was organized by Punong Barangay John Mark Petierre of Barangay 30, with the support of Punong Barangay Degie Tanista of Barangay Alangilan.
Petierre said that because of the pandemic, people turn to biking as a hobby and as a form of exercise.
“This is one way for the volunteers to provide assistance to bikers and everyone else who pass by these two areas,” Petierre added.*