Women’s rights advocates and cycling groups staged a bike activity for safe spaces on February 13, eve of the One Billion Rising global event.
Dubbed “Ride, dance, unite to end violence against women,” the 10-kilometer bike ride sought to raise awareness on rising cases of sexual harassment and abuse against women.
“Everyday, women cyclists have to deal with unsafe bike commute and even catcalling and sexual harassment on the road,” said Jessica Reyes, a member of the group She Decides PH.
“We’re sending a message in this bike activity that this cycle must stop,” said Reyes, adding that there seems to be a proliferation of misogynist comments and posts within bike groups.
The event was held in Quezon City in the national capital because the city reportedly recorded a 66-percent spike in domestic violence cases and 21-percent increase in rape cases during the first eight months of 2021.
The participating groups also urged local governments to prioritize the construction of bike lanes and bike parks to encourage more Filipinos to ride bikes.
The One Billion Rising activity is an annual global dance protest every February 14 that aims to promote awareness and show unity to End Violence Against Women and Children.
