16th Tour of the Fireflies Edition
Nov 2015
When was the last time you saw fireflies? The fireflies have fled because of air pollution. All of us are in danger of disappearing like fireflies, but we can fight for clean air and bring the fireflies back.
The Big Ride . . . and Having Fun By Ramon Fernan
Illustration by Katti Sta. Ana
The Big Ride is a turning point in the Firefly Brigade's organizational orientation and work. It is supposed to mark the transformation of the Firefly Brigade from its very specific advocacy for bicycling to the broader advocacy of public mobility without adding to the environmental and social pressures that strain our planet's resources. Far from leaving its advocacy for bicycling, the Brigade will endeavor to take its experience of many years in bicycle advocacy to bear on the promotion of better public transportation options as well as of meeting private mobility needs that minimize economic and environmental costs and impacts. In this broader field of action, the buzzword seems to be integration – integrating multiple modes of transportation (multi-modal), including public transport, motorized and non-motorized vehicles, “smart” technologies such as phones with mobile apps, to get people to share the resources that enable their mobility – mobility with which to access the services that people depend on for their wellbeing. To pursue this goal, the Brigade will expand the knowledge and skills of its staff and members to embrace the latest mobility options and to work with its partners—the LGUS, NGOs, cycling clubs, and the general public—as an expert advocate of mobility services that are continue to page 3
One Pedal Revolution at a Time This is my third term (two years each) as president of the Firefly Brigade (2002-2004, 2004-2006, & 2015-2016). In my last year as an officer in 2006 and before I went into "semi retirement" to explore the racing side of cycling, I brought up the idea of doing simultaneous rides throughout the country to coincide with the annual Tour of the Fireflies. It was then met with reservations by the members of the Brigade as the resources and energies of the Brigade focused on our activities in Metro Manila. Fortunately the idea caught on with officers who followed my term and they carried it through, coordinating with groups in other cities and provinces, to organize such rides. These rides shared the Brigade's advocacy of Promoting the Bicycle for Clean Air and Sustainable Communities. It was a free idea and movement with no strings or frills attached. It was a union of like-hearted and like-minded people of different backgrounds pulled together in a human and friendly network encouraging diversity and independence. This bicycling movement is coming back this year in time for the BIG Ride. As of this writing our partners have confirmed that they will ride together in support of the advocacy of the Tour of the Fireflies and the Firefly Brigade.
By: Jack Yabut
Rides are being organized in the following areas (partner contact information is available upon request): 1. Bulusan, Sorsogon – contact: Mr. David Payos / Camp David Biker's Station 2. Catarman, Samar – contact Ms. Monina Tarce / Scout City Road and Mountain Bike (SCRAMB) 3. Calbayog City Samar – contact: Mr. Ashley Albaña / Samar Off Road Bikers Association (SORBA) 4. Catbalogan City – contact: Mr. Joel Cinco / Samar Mountain Bikers Adventure 5. Bacolod City – contact: DANS Bike Shop / (34) 4337823 6. Iloilo City – contact: Mr. Rock Drilon and Councilor Jay Treñas 7. Dumaguete City – contact: Mr. Dondee Señeris / Dumaguete Cycling Advocates Network 8. Davao City – contact: Ms. Monica Ayala / Cycle for Life We are known by different names, we are free, we are friends, and this is— Our Movement, One Pedal Revolution at a time— for our country, the planet, and ourselves. MakiBike Na!