Allianz PNB Life launches country’s first solar-powered bike pit stop in San Juan
MANILA – Local government units’ officials may find it imperative to visit San Juan City to further promote sustainable mobility.
Just recently, Allianz PNP Life through its Ride Safe Movement, inaugurated the country’s first solar powered bike pit stop in the booming metropolis.
“We commend San Juan for taking the lead in establishing biker-friendly areas and it is only fitting that we put up the Philippines’ first solar-powered bike pit stop here. Biking is not just an alternative but imperative transport solution during these times when we are facing challenges in mobility. Through this pit stop and other safety infrastructure we have put in place in partnership with the city, we hope that more people will be encouraged to use bikes,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.
San Juan City is known for its Bike Safety campaign and has been awarded as one of the Most Bike-Friendly Cities in Metro Manila by the Mobility Awards.
“We’re very thankful that Allianz PNP Life has chosen the city of San Juan to be their partner for this very innovative, very progressive project,” San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora during the simple unveiling rites.
It will be recalled the city has already designated bike lanes with the necessary safety infrastructure along its major roads. Bike patrollers have already been deployed to ensure the safety of bikers and enforce the city’s strict quarantine protocols.
Last October, Allianz PNP Life became the exclusive Life Insurance Partner of its Bike Safety campaign.
Mayor Zamora said while some consider biking scary and dangerous, it would be dangerous should there be no ample protection for the bikers.
“Here in San Juan, part of the reason why we are a Gold Awardee at the Mobility Awards, is that we give protection to bikers,” he said.
The bike pit stop design is patterned after the Allianz race car pit stops at the Formula 1 races. It has bike parking, bikers’ resting area, and a small footprint bike repair station with hanger arms, repair tools, and an air pump.
San Juan First Lady Keri Zamora, Vice Mayor Warrant Villa, and city councilors attended the bike pit stop’s blessing and unveiling rites. The event also included the blessing of 105 bicycles for San Juan’s Bike Sharing Program for its government employees.
Immediately after the ceremonial turn-over of the pit stop to the local government of San Juan, Allianze PNP Life executives joined San Juan officials for a bike tour of the city.
Mayor Zamora said the city government will soon launch a historical bike trail by next month. The train showcases the historic Pinaglabanan Shrine, Museo ng Katipunan/El Deposito Museum/El Deposito Underground Tunnel, St. John the Baptist Parish, Ortigas Avenue, Santuario del Santo Kristo, Iglesia Ni Cristo property – F. Manalo (Gruet St.), Marcos House (P. Guevarra St.), Mini park, Club Filipino, and the Greenhills Loop.
Allianz PNP Life has also placed signage and safety bollards in San Juan City’s biking lanes.
“Sustainability is part of the Allianz DNA. Globally and Locally, we have taken part in initiatives that promote environment-friendly solutions. We are looking forward to work with more local government units that share our ideals of providing a safer and healthier planet for our future generations,” Grenz further said. (Melo M. Acuna)
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (center, first photo) leads the ribbon-cutting of the country's first solar-powered bike pit stop donated by Allianz PNB Life led by its President and CEO Alexander Grenz (second from left). Mrs. Keri Zamora, San Juan's First Lady joined the blessing and turn-over rites. Allianz PNB Life and San Juan employees are shown on their bike tour of the city. (Eggshell Photos)