During the onset of community quarantine, there was an increase in the number of Filipinos who are using bicycles for transportation. This was brought about by the restrictions on public transport and on people’s movement; with only one individual allowed per household to go out and buy essentials. With most Filipinos still reliant on public transportation, many were left with no choice but to use their bikes for essential travel. Frontliners were forced to use bicycles to get to and from work while those who are going outside to buy their necessities and accomplish important errands were also resigned to using their bicycles.
Cycling is not only a viable transport option because of the pandemic but also because of the health benefits one gets from the exercise. Cycling is a good aerobic activity that works out one’s heart, blood vessel, and lungs. Apart from these benefits, one might find cycling a better alternative to public transportation now that jeeps, buses, and trains can operate; with closed spaces posing a higher risk to infection.
Given the increase in bicycle usage, Vista Mall has addressed this by installing more parking structures for bicycles across its malls. Existing bike parking areas were also refurbished to ensure that customers’ bikes are safe and secured while they shop for their essentials and finish their errands.
Customers are required to use their own locks when parking their bikes at Vista Mall’s facilities and are encouraged to sanitize their bikes before use. Due diligence is always expected among cyclists whenever using mall facilities to help guarantee the health and safety of everyone by observing proper physical distancing and wearing of personal protective equipment. The bike parking facilities are also routinely cleaned and sanitized daily along with the rest of the mall’s structures and surroundings to ensure that Vista Malls remain clean and safe for everyone.
This initiative is still part of the #NavigateTheNewNormal campaign launched by the mall brands under the Villar Group; this includes Vista Malls, Starmalls, and premium Vista Lifestyle Centers, NOMO and Evia Lifestyle Center. The campaign is hinged on providing new services and guidelines to help both consumers and businesses safely and successfully traverse the current realities and challenges arising from the pandemic. Living with the threat of coronavirus has made shopping and dining at malls vastly different from how customers used to know it. Thus, it is important for Vista Mall to do their share in promoting safe and responsible shopping and dining among its customers, partners, and tenants.