The holiday season is a time for giving and celebrating the spirit of community. This year, the First Bike Ride community brought these elements together in a unique way with their event, “The 12 Stops of Christmas”. This festive bike ride challenge was not just about fun and games but also about promoting an active lifestyle, building a community, and supporting local businesses.

First Bike Ride, founded in 2020 by Buji Babiera, has always been more than just a cycling group–it’s a platform that tells stories that inspire and move people while advocating for safer roads and better commutes. “I used to work for newspapers and magazines, and during the pandemic, work stopped. I still wanted to write stories and take photos, so I thought, maybe I’ll create a platform where I can still do these things,” shares Babiera.

This year’s “12 Stops of Christmas” event, co-organized with other bike groups such as Esteban Cycling Community, AltMobility, and Mobile in MNL, was a testament to their commitment to their cause. “It is our way of celebrating the holiday with the cycling community and bike-friendly businesses and, at the same time, open our doors to non-bikers,” says Babiera. More than just a celebration, it also served as a fundraiser, with portions of the registration earnings used to purchase bike lights for commuters who need them.

Moreover, the heart of First Bike Ride extends beyond events and initiatives. Recently, they rallied donations for Tatay Romy, whose story touched the hearts of many Filipinos. With their collective support, Tatay Romy received an e-bike, providing him and his family with a much-needed and comfortable mode of transportation. “I wanted to help Tatay Romy because his family really needed it. I never thought that his story would go viral and more people would help, which is great because it gives that sense of bayanihan and that there’s still hope in this difficult time,” Babiera reflects.

The “12 Stops of Christmas” celebrated what First Bike Ride stands for–a healthier, more active lifestyle, a stronger sense of community, and a push for safer, bike-friendly cities. As we look forward to the new year, we can only expect more inspiring initiatives from this dynamic community. After all, as Babiera himself said, “encouraging more people to bike can push people in power to create better roads.”

So here’s to more rides, more stops, and more positive changes in our communities!