BICYCLING IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY: A SUSTAINABLE FORM OF TRANSPORT TOURISM

Sport is intimately connected to nature. A healthy environment is necessary for healthy sport. For many athletes, it is this intimacy with nature that motivates and inspires them. Sports facilities, events, activities and the manufacture of sporting goods have an impact on the environment.

Fortunately for the sporting world, there is a new movement growing rapidly, in parallel with renewed interest in personal health and fitness and with mounting concern over the environmental damage caused by pollution and traffic congestions: Bicycling.

However, in this city, research and planning concerning bicycling are scarce. Aside from occasional bicycle tours, the city has no bicycle paths and lanes that would most encourage people to cycle. Thus, it is imperative that the city of Puerto Princesa expands its investment in such separate cycling facilities if it really wants to increase cycling activities in the area. At present the number of cyclists is steadily increasing, as evidenced in the growth of bicycle sales. This cycling population can be attracted to become active participants in a Cycle Tourism Program.

The development of bicycle tourism can offer a considerable benefit for the people. The experience will also lead to the travelers taking more of an interest in the local culture and society.

In recent years, Puerto Princesa has taken initiative to channel its efforts in promoting its natural and historical sites through sports tourism. Simultaneously, bicycle tourism can be integrated into the tourism program of the city to further boost its bid to become the sports tourism capital of the country. And since bicycle tourism is an environmentally sustainable form of tourism with minimal impact on the environment and host communities, it shall be in harmony with the city’s goal to remain the cleanest and greenest in the country, and a model city for sustainable development.