SMC launches bicycle program for employees

The leadership of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is now urging the motoring public to safely share the road with cyclists after launching a program that provides bicycles to employees and extended workforce.

The latest initiative for SMC provides an alternative mode of transportation as part of its continuing efforts to provide its workforce convenience amidst travel restrictions across much of the country.

SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang noted the benefits of using bicycles.  

“With more and more cities putting up bike lanes, and with even our major thoroughfares devoting space for cyclists, biking to work is now a more viable option for many Filipinos. It lessens your risk for exposure to COVID-19 because you are socially-distanced and outdoors; it promotes better cardio health, and you don’t need to pay for fares. Just make sure to observe all safety measures and remain alert and careful at all times,” Ang explained.

“For motorists, let us all observe the proper distance from cyclists. Do not treat them as obstacles on the road. We share the road with them, they are people like you, just trying to get to their destination. Give way to them, because anyway you are inside a vehicle. Their safety comes first,” he added.

SMC said that the bikes are available to employees retailed at a little above P2,000 to P3,000 under a 12-month, zero interest program. The bulk of the cost, SMC claimed, will be shouldered by the company. Also, they said that safety helmets are being sold at low prices too.

According to Ang, the program was made after a surge in demand for bicycles among employees was seen as the company continues to safely bring its employees back to work to continue essential operations.

“We understand there’s also a need to provide convenience and additional safety to many of our workers, when they go to work,” Ang said.

“Right now, our transportation system is still limited, and we see that more of our employees are biking to work. So we thought to provide them new bicycles. We bought an initial 1,500 units for our facilities in different locations. Almost as soon as we offered them, all were taken. We are now waiting for more units to make available to more employees in more areas,” he added.

SMC employees may opt for commuter bicycles complete with basket, light and drum brakes for P2,080 or a compact, hardtail mountain bike with front suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and gearing for P3,000.

Further, SMC has also launched a special Covid-19 transportation loan for employees to further expand their options for alternative modes of transportation.

SMC has various motoring and motoring-related brands under its umbrella company namely, BMW and BMW Motorrad, Petron Corporation, as well as expressways such as the  Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIAx, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Photo/s from San Miguel Corporation

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