In one of my research projects of finding alternative modes of transportation that is undoubtedly creating an impact to our environment, I discovered the TSP group that was founded in 2009 led by Pio Fortuno.
I remember back in 2014, TSP escorted us into a rural place in the Philippines in support to the Rotary Club of Angeles Skytown medical and dental mission in the area of Sapangbato, Angeles City.
Many might not know, that the Philippines is considered an agricultural and developing country, but sad to say that more areas in the center of the country is waste and air polluted. Admit it or not, from the time we were thought to be responsible of our own trash, we sometimes forget or worst, have ignored it even if it is just a tiny trash from a candy wrapper.
On the brighter side, many Filipinos are excelling in promoting a healthier environment and that counts to peace and prosperity. One movement would not be enough to say “I participate in the development.” One should always be consistent in his/her mission towards achieving his goals. Small or big it may be. If not, pass the knowledge or awareness to someone who could do it or make the lead afterwards. Life is always a cycle, we received, we give, we learn, we support, we lead.
Moreover, air pollution is a major problem in many countries in the world. Some car companies started producing electrical powered cars that could provide cleaner exhausts and green mobility. We do not of course state that diesel powered cars should be taken out into consideration when it comes to private and public vehicle/modes of transportation. These great helps our industry, both air and land.
Green transport system is a contribution to lessen the dependency of the use of oil in general. Reducing it to some amount so that we would then use it either for household or industrial purposes.
In Denmark, bicycling is very popular and it is also because it is a part of their culture. In every city and in small streets, you will see bicycle lanes and even stop lights for these lanes. A lot of people uses it everyday to go to school, work, grocery shopping, travelling, as a sport, as an exercise and many more.
I learned to bicycle even when I am wearing high heeled shoes and a dress on. What could be more fashionable and practical than riding a bicycle? 😉 Just do not forget a helmet on.
Sometimes, you will see the danish or the new danes are wearing formal dresses and coats. Yes, the cost of public transportation in Denmark is very high. Oh yes. From my own point of view, it might be because of the environmental hazards it has and at the same time, things like these in Denmark are heavily taxed. I will try to reach out to DSB, Ministry of Transport and to the ministry of Food and Environment to know more about it and enlighten more of my readers of this topic.
In the statement below, you will learn about the Tiklop Society of the Philippines. This is from TSP’s facebook page.
The Tiklop Society of the Philippines is a Philippine-based, non-stock, non-profit organization that brings together decent people with a singular love and appreciation for folding bicycles. It is a nexus for discussion about the technical aspects of these bikes as well as avenue for fostering camaraderie among the members by facilitating friendly discussions, meet-ups and rides. All folding bike brands are welcome here, as we are bound by the folding action of these amazing machines. Tiklop, is the Filipino word for “fold”.
TSP seeks to promote the use of folding bikes as a means to better oneself and achieve cleaner air and more livable cities. By nature of its fold, these bikes are most suitable to bimodal transportation, wherein one combines biking with other modes of public transportation such as buses, jeepneys, or trains. Through this, one can easily increase their range of travel and this will hopefully cut down on the number of private cars on the road. These bikes are well suited to urban landscape with its quick fold, they may be taken inside establishments such as malls, groceries, markets, banks and the workplace. If enough people bike to their destinations instead of using cars, there will be less road congestion, promote cleaner air, calmer streets and a healthier populace.
Formed in 2009, TSP has rapidly grown from a single member to quite a handful today. In a short time, TSP has been instrumental in making small-wheeled folding bikes acceptable to the riding public.
For further information about TSP, visit their facebook group:
Tiklop Society of the Philippines.
You can also download the project in pdf form of the Ministry of Transport in Denmark entitled “A Greener Transport”. You might get great ideas and inspiration. You are welcome to write to me so I can send you a pdf form of it to your e-mail. Contact me under the contact details section of my website. See their official website here:
The photo in this page was taken during one of TSP’s “Lighten Up” Projects wherein we stand by the side of the road and flag down bike commuters from the financially challenged sectors, and when they stop we outfit their bikes with lights and give them vests and helmets if we have any. This way it is hoped that they have a safer journey when they ply the roads to and from work everyday. Such is the spirit of TSP, where we aim to give back to society as well.
Photo courtesy of TSP.
