Wishing the safety of all kapadyak whose residences were flooded.

Wheels of Happiness

To all our friends and kapadyaks whose houses and places were unundated by floods, we pray and hope for your safety..   At QC, Cainta, San Mateo, and downtown Manila

Be safe.

Make highway crossings at foodstops and fruit stands safe

Wheels of Happiness

Yesterday, I nearly got stuck dead by a speeding Honda City at a Rizal town, while crossing the highway

walking to eat lunch.    As if I am just a duck or chicken crossing.   

First the driver who could have seen me crossing should have slowed down.

Secondly there should be street signs or pedestrian lane across the highway

Thridly I should be aware of such a danger and did no cross if I saw all ready an oncoming traffic.

But many do not stop a pedestrian lane even if before a stop light or intersection.  What happened to 

our motorists who just got a vehicle on instalment and act like a king who owns the road in utter disregard of LTO laws

a) THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE SHALL YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY TO A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING THE ROADWAY WITHIN ANY MARKED CROSSWALK OR WITHIN ANY UNMARKED CROSSWALK AT AN INTERSECTION, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION

Riding dangerously; how do we remove the dangers?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

6.24.2021

We see gruesome pictures of bikers being hit by crazy drivers in US, in the Philippines  deaths and accidents involving motor vehicle and bike riders.  Indeed it is riding dangerously:

     1.  Riders beating the red light;

     2.  Bike riders racing vs motor vehicles in highways;

     3.   Gitgit pina by the Motor Vehicles which are travelling fast;

    4.    Pedestrians suddenly darting out from nowhere;

    5.    Jeepney suddenly stopping in fron of you to load unload

    6.    MC overtaking from your right even if the space is narrow;

    7.    Tricycles MV other bikers riding on the wrong side of the road;

When do we see more educated drivers; and when can roads be safe for every one?

The bike lanes are myth and fancy in the Philippines:  they are not protected;  cars and MC use it, they are used as parking and waiting stations.     They are dangerously built too with potholes and drainage  gratings that can trap the RB thin tires;     

Traffic hazards when riding - a reminder

Wheels of Happiness

                      Who is at fault, the taxi or the MC?

One can not help but again remind fellow riders of the hazards that confront us when we ride (of course we are seen as hazards by others)  We would like to classify the hazards as those coming from:

road obstacles
pedestrians
other two wheeled vehicles and
four wheeled vehicles

Road obstacles:

We need more safe riding habits from motorbikers

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines  |  September 22, 2014



We nearly met some serious accident yesterday at Paete on the way back from Caliraya.   A tricycle darted from the side street. Val and I were on full speed probably doing 30.  That action made us do some evasive action;  however, two single at full speed also did a counterflow.  So after the evasive maneuver, we had to swerve back to the innermost part of the lane to avoid a collision.

The lack of safety mindset among motorbikers represent a challenge to road bikers.  A number have died from head on collision with motorbikes who occupied the opposite lane in a zigzag or ordinary road.   Heard:   in Muzon last week two RIT motorbikers died after a head on collision dragged and killed them.

Last Wednesday, a motorbiker, with his wife cut me in San Juan Binangonan Rizal, Then overtook the jeep, then cut the jeepney to turn right to San Juan.  It looked very annoying if not stupid maneuver to me.

Kapadyaks and Recyclists beware of pedestrians

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  May 11, 2014

In my biking experience for the last 5 years, the most risk comes from pedestrians and we must be aware of pedestrians.  We cant afford to hurt nor injure them.  Most of them may lack awareness or training in safety, or being a good pedestrian:

1.  Most do not use the pedestrian lane although many are provided especially in busy streets;

2.  They can change their mind in the middle of an action:   may stop crossing, or may proceed, or change direction

Two jeepneys scared the hell out of me during my last ride last April 30 2014; may we have safe driving practices by jeepney drivers?

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  Philippines  |  May 2, 2014

I am reminded of a post from RBP whose mountain bike was nearly totalled by a jeepney in Metro Manila

In my bike ride last April 30, 2014 (and I am trying to suppress this scary incident, two Tanay Junction jeepneys (the blong ones with identical yellow color - same owner) scared the hell out of me.  One had plate number of CVG 450, the other CVG 479.  The 450 overtook me in Pantok, right after the traffic zone, going to Angono, with only inches to spare.  Had I turned a little bit my wheel to the left, it would have a been a great spectacle and my Fuji carbon fiber bike would have scattered to thousand pieces on the road.

Your helmet has an expiration; you have to regularly replace/upgrade it?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines  |  January 26, 2014

                                    Humiwalay ang outer skin/shell

Look at what happened to Jeff's helmet  - the outer skin separated from the main styropor body.  Was it because of the cold and heat last Sunday ride at Tagaytay?

Whatever it is, Jeff's helmet is begging for replacement.

We follow the suggestion to replace helmets every two years, or everytime it bangs in a crash.

Be safe;  wear your helmet always.  We heard there was a crash near the Vemar resort and the cyclist does not have a helmet.  It was his second crash, and each time he did not have a helmet.  According to Peter Francisco of Taytay.

                                  The other half of Jeff's helmet

JC bikes to recuperate from severe Motorcycle injuries he had in 2004

Wheels of Happiness

Pililla, Philippines | December 8, 2013

                     JC gets better and stronger with biking; severe injuries form MC accident

Today is the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion

I met JC and Lay, bikers from Binangonan at OL 4 km from  Bugarin as I was doing  recovery ride today. I left the troop at Pisong Kape.

They say, JC walks as if he had a stroke because of severe motorcycle injuries he had in a motorcycle accident in 2004 at Balag sa kamatsile near the municipal building of Binangonan.  He was going home, he had somebody in tandem, and must have hooked into something while doing 100kph.  His companion jumped, had  broken back but he recovered.  He had cracked skull, broke arm and many more indescribable injuries.  He and his motorcycle slid underneath a parked truck. People thought he was going to die.  He was comatose for a week; and his parents spent over a million  in a hospital he named The Medical Money.

He said he accepted whatever the Lord hath given him.   He is biking and he is recuperating getting better with biking.   Yes that is right. I told him.  I had an accident too.  The Lord does not give you anything bad.  They are something to make you better.

All we can say is:  cyclists:  motor and bike.  Ride safe always.  Ride conservatively if you are in crowded, hazard strewn area like school (where he crashed) and C6 (for Richard)

We must be safety conscious all the time

Mag ingat, take care and God bless all bikers

                                         Lay and JC at OL

                                   Lay

                                     We pray to Jesus Christ our Lord to keep us safe always

Let us do something to instill safety in motorcyling

Real Cyclist
Angono, Rizal, PHL  | February 2l, 2013

 Three lives were lost when this motorbike with three riders collided head on with a SUV last Monday dawn.  The driver had no license, no insurance, and believed to be intoxicated.  One of the fatalities was a pregnant lady?

Was there police visibility?  Are there no patrol cars?   Are policemen not paid well these days?

The recent twin accidents  which I am personally aware of, should push the private and public sectors to wake up to the growing menace of lack of safety in motorcycling.  Three young lives were snuffed out in a collision with a Isuzu trooper.  Then Choco2 was hit head on by a rider who was alleged to be high on drugs.  The accidents and deaths will continue.  Who will lift his finger?

 LTO?

The Mayor?

TMG?

The motorcycle businessmen?

The riders?

I had the following sad experience  with motorbikers:

l.  I had been overtaken by motorcycles  from right several times while riding or on cars;

2.  I had been buzzed by large bikes in Bugarin merely millimeters away; even large bikes try to overtake even if you have the lane occupied;  you just have to avoid them and give way.

3.  I nearly had a head on collision on the way from wawa evening and cursed the offender;  he was so bad to run after me and block my path;   if they die from accidents, they may have no one to blame except their bad vibes and mindsets.

4.  Several times, while crossing the pedestrian lane in front of the municipal hall, is was buzzed at the side of the road by speeding motorbikes and where angry when I had to push him away so as to avoid him hitting me on my body/torso;   motorbikes do not know the meaning of pedestrian lanes

5.  This morning  I saw a mother with 2 children without helmets, bringing her children to school.  I think riding a motorbike without a helmet is unsafe at any speed, and riding in tridem  (is there such a word?) or threesome?

Secx related to me such similar bad experience with motorbikers...

More pictures

                                 A death machine? Who is to be blamed, the bigger SUV?

                           Motorbike vs a an Isuzu trooper SUV?;  the motorbike was no match

                              All that the Isuzu suffered were scratches and crumpled lower fender

                         The students without helmet rit are unaware of the danger of their riding


\

                             New lethal weapons awaiting registration;  more are coming

        The newer bikes are lighter,more powerful,  faster and payment terms and lower price means it is easy to acquire them.  Compared to owning 4 wheeled vehicles, owning a motorbike is easy.  And it gives convenience and a lot of savings from commute.

However accidents and deaths from motorcyles are increasing in number.  And no one, no one seem to care.

I hope this post shocks some in their deep slumber and complancency

Safety, traffic rules enforcement.

A Safety Reminder - Ride 1.5 meters away

His jersey reminds us us to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters:  when passing parked vehicles or when riding.   Even if the doors are opened, you do not slam into a door, or if you fall.... or slide, there is a margin of safety.

However, if the cars buzz you by mm away, or a motorcycle heads to to you head on....

Safety Buffer from our Motorized Brethren

Have bike, we will help save the earth...

                                                      Some Motorbikers At Rest at Km l00 

When I read the safety manual for motorbikers, I found out that motorbikers must maintain a 3 meter buffer zone between him and the vehicle being passed, or at formation when riding at say 30 kph.  That has to be doubled at even faster speed.  But I could swear by my teeth that at the Real Ride, some guys buzzed me (is the term applicable to flies or bees?) at no more than 3 cm or at most 3 inches.  Whew.  Some met us head on at dead zero.  When will you guys learn safety?

Mga brods, ingat naman oh please?

Safety Tips for Recyclist_20l0

They say that accidents do not just happen;  negligence and lack of precaution cause them to happen.  Some safety reminders:

l  Equipment checking: the bike:

    l.  Check for loose bolts, headpost, seat, handlebar especially the QR.  A loose QR can cause serious accident or even death.  A loose handle bar that goes down as you hold down the drops can be frighetening. Check whether the bolts that hold down the cable for brakes are tight.

    2.  Check the non metal parts if still serviceable:    tires (check for cracks and broken glass), brake pads (if totally worn out.)

     3.  Check for frays, breaks in cables for brakes and derailleur.  Oil them to prevent them from corroding or breaking.

     4.  Check the frame for cracks.  You do not want your bike to fall apart as you ride.


2.  Be sure your personal safety equipment are complete and are working properly:

      l.  Eyewear.  A good eyewear is a protection from harmful UV rays from the sun, the dirt and grime on the street.  Some good brands prevent injury during crash.  I know of a rider who did not even have a scratch on his face when he skidded and his face hit the road.  The eyewear protected him

     2.  The helmet.  Buy a good helmet, if possible with reenforcement.  Be sure it is laminated for added strength.  If you buy a cheap helmet, replace it every year.  Do not leave your helmet under the sun.  The styro component deteriorates under heat of the sun.  Be sure your helmet is snug on your head.  Tighten the straps just right.  Fix the straps before you ride.

     3.  Buy good pair of gloves with palm liner (or gel) to protect you from numbness and or carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you crash, you will understand the value of gloves (to protect your palm from broken glass, sand and gravel)

     4.  Bike shoes.  Wear the proper bike shoes.  They should be stiff and fit your feet right.  Check the cleats for looseness.  Tighten the cleats and oil the screws regularly.  Cleats that are not working could be dangerous.  If they do not disengage when you remove it as you stop, you are in big trouble. 

3, UV protection

    l.  Apply sunblock lotion before a ride. Excessive UV rays can damage your skin, even skin cancer.

    2.  Wear arm warmers for the same reason.

4.  Ride safely:

    l.  Practice wheel touch and tumbling as you fall.;
   
    2.  Practice hand signals;

    3   Practice peloton riding;

    4.  Focus and concentrate as you ride.