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Letter From Manila
Bicycles: A boredom buster and lifeline amid pandemic
Curbs and checkpoint bottlenecks have meant that the humble bike is what enables people to get to work and back, and get healthier too
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Raul Dancel Philippines Correspondent In Manila, Raul Dancel
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The lowly bicycle has helped millions of Filipinos cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing front-line health workers to get to hospital to save lives, fishmongers to go door to door, and many others who just want to get some much-needed sun and exercise.
"They say we Filipinos are resilient… For this pandemic, I don't think there's a more fitting symbol of that resilience than the bicycle," said Mr Melvin Ayensa, 58, an artist and a long-time bike-riding advocate.
