Use of e-bikes, scooters in Baguio suggested

BAGUIO CITY: The city council passed Resolution 740, series of 2023 requesting the city government to conduct a feasibility study on use of e-scooters and e-bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation through publicprivate partnership.

The approved measure was based on a proposed resolution of Scout Official For A Day Councilor Sophia Alessia Mari Valencia which was adopted during the Sofad session in October last year.

“Baguio’s growing population affects the quality and accessibility of transportation among the general public resulting in dependence on personal vehicles,” the resolution stated.

The resolution stressed that the increasing number of petroleum-dependent vehicles contributes to a high rate of carbon emission and to air pollution which does not conform with Republic Act 8749 or the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.”

“Introducing and pilot testing of e-mobility would provide an alternative mode of transportation and may encourage the general public to switch to other modes of transport such as the use of e-vehicles,” the measure added.

“E-micromobility encourages the development of smart apps that provide information about options including availability.”

Proponents of the e-bikes said the use of these new modes of transportation contributes to a healthier environment anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals on good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation, infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, thereby promoting innovation and technological advances for public use.