Pinoys in UK save on gas by biking to work
Filipinos in the United Kingdom who are also affected by the soaring prices of oil are looking for ways to save on transportation expenses. For London-based Noel Adorable, the unprecedented fuel price hike in the UK prompted him to turn to his old dependable transport service, his bicycle, which has been kept in his backyard shed for years.
Adorable said using his bicycle has two benefits. First, it’s his practical solution to the increasing prices of oil, and secondly, cycling is good for his health.
“Para makatipid dahil sa pagtaas ng gasoline. Ngayon isa pa, mas convenient ako sa pagpasok sa trabaho. Mas makakatipid ka sa pagba-bike, eco-friendly pa,” Adorable said.
By cycling to work, he will avoid burning a hole in his pocket. Adorable said he will be able to save £600 or P54,000 in a year’s time.
Like in the Philippines, the fuel prices in the UK have also rocketed skywards. The price of unleaded fuel is £1.21 or P109.70 per liter. For diesel, it’s now £1.34 or P141.48 per liter.
A study by price comparison website USWITCH found that fuel prices in Britain are the second highest in Europe, with diesel at 18 percent above average and unleaded petrol at 6 percent more.
For Filipinos who drive to work, road tax, car insurance and parking fees are also taking a toll on their transportation budget.
Like many Brits, Filipinos have also turned to cycling recently to save on transportation expenses.
Transport for London estimates that there are now in excess of half a million cycle journeys made everyday in London. From 2007 to 2008, cycling on London’s major roads grew by a further 4.5 percent. With the rising fuel costs, the number is expected to rise.
For his own austerity measures, Rainer Ruby has decided to use his car less frequently.
Today, he uses his motorcycle because of the distance of his journey. But on a daily basis, he uses his bicycle to work.
“Malaking tulong rin kasi na may matitipid kang pounds at saka napag-desisyunan ko na kasi ito lang ang gagamitin ko,” Ruby said.
To save on petrol costs, he alternates between his motorcycle and bicycle.
“Usually pag-out of town lang at weekend pag mag-go-grocery yun lang ang time namin para gamitin ang sasakyan. Pero definitely pagpasok sa trabaho hindi na,” he said.
Adorable is all geared up and ready to hit the road again. He also reacquaints himself with the traffic rules for London cyclists.
“Kung mag-turn right ka you have to raise it so that they know you are turning and then raise your left naman para alam ng drivers na liliko ka sa kaliwa,” he said.
London is not considered a cycling city compared with other European cities. However recently, Boris Johnson, the mayor of London has started cycling to work to promote cycling in the city which he said offers not only economic, health but also environmental rewards.
In the wake of the rising fuel costs, many Filipinos see it as a viable option for moving around the city. Reports from Rose Eclarinal, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, London.
Related Posts
