Biking safety

For physical safety, we do not want students to be exposed to heavy and hazardous traffic outside the campus. Bicycle use will be limited to a boundary within the UP Diliman Campus. Use of the Padyak bikes outside the boundary is prohibited. See the bicycle boundary map.

Helmets are mandatory. Applicants may bring their own helmet. The Padyak project can assist applicants as to where they can purchase helmets.

Applicants must be competent bicycle riders. Applicants are required to undergo biking skills assessment, attend the training (bike clinic) for riding skills, safety and basic bike maintenance.

Guidelines for the use of bikes

Each bicycle is assigned to a particular biker. It is not transferable to other persons other than the registered biker.

The bicycles provided are in good running condition. The member shall be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing flat tires, maintenance of brakes and other minor items. There are three bicycle repair shops inside the campus as indicated on the bicycle route map. Bikers must keep their bikes clean.

All bicycles must be returned after the biking period. SMS any of the following numbers so the Padyak project management can make arrangements of receiving the bicycles and accessories:
a. 0916 600 1225 c/o Jojo Gutierrez
b. 0919 440 2160 c/o Peter Sy
c. 0917 537 2690 c/o Louie Cruz
d. Or email padyakbikes@gmail.com to arrange a return date and time

Health Checklist
It is recommended that you contact your doctor about your health condition to determine if you are fit for biking. Be particularly cautious if you have a history of any of the following:

1. Heart disease, angina or any kind of heart condition
2. High blood pressure
3. Epilepsy
4. If you are pregnant
5. If you had surgery within the last 6 months
6. If you are recovering from serious illness
7. If you are prone to dizzy spells, black outs or temporary confusion
8. Atrophy or muscle wasting
9. Poor hearing or vision
10. If you have an eye condition or infection which affects your vision
11. If you have any kind of ear infection which affects your hearing and balance
12. If you are on any medication that advises you not to handle any machinery or to drive

The Bicycle Safety Checklist
UP Padyak is providing the bicycle in good condition. However, before accepting the bicycle, it is the applicant's responsibility to check on the following items:

1. General appearance - check that there are no major dents or cracks and defects in the framework, wheels, pedals or crankshaft. Check for loose or missing parts such as brake shoes, lights, rear reflectors, bells, utility basked, torn or frayed cables etc.
2. Brakes - firmly grip the front brake then try to push the bike forward, the wheel of the bike should not turn. Do the same for the rear brakes.
3. Steering - the handlebars should be perpendicular to the wheels.
4. Dynamo/lights -- try engaging the dynamo at the front wheel then give the wheel a quick spin to test if the lamps will light.
5. Wheels - check that all the spokes are straight and that the wheel is not buckled in any way.
6. Check that the tires threads are not wearing thin and that there are no unusual bulges.
7. Check the lock and keys provided with the bike.
8. Check all baskets and panniers are securely fastened to the bicycle.
9. Be sure the bikes are properly locked on the bike racks and/or suitable biking posts. Do not block the pathways of pedestrians.

Safety guidelines while riding:

1. Wear a helmet while riding at all times.
2. If you are not yet a regular cyclist, ride on streets in the campus that are not busy with pedestrians or vehicles.
3. Be careful about parked cars or jeeps waiting for passengers. Watch out for signal lights, passengers opening doors, or vehicles/jeeps about to depart. Do not overtake accelerating vehicles. Bike defensively, always prioritizing safety over speed.
4. Use the right side of the road as much as possible.
5. Avoid riding on the sidewalks. UP sidewalks are narrow and are designed only to accommodate pedestrians.
6. Use hand signals to turn left, right or when stopping.
7. Be seen – wear brightly-colored clothes or reflectors especially at night.
8. Use your bell in areas with lots of pedestrians. Not all pedestrians will see you.
9. Do not use headphones or use your mobile phones while riding.