The staging of the Iloilo Bike Festival 2021 next month may be put on hold if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Iloilo City continue rise.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city government and stakeholders would decide this week whether to push through with event on April 9 to 11.

Their decision, according to Treñas, will be based on the COVID-19 situation in the city.

This year’s bike fest is supposed to pedal to new normal as the biggest biking event in the Philippines.

Treñas earlier said that the cycling endeavor showcases Iloilo as the country’s bike capital.

The city hosts protected bike lanes while the province offers various trails and sceneries.

The event aims to bring to everyone’s attention the importance of health and wellness, that inspite of COVID-19, the city can only foster economic recovery, safety and security, through a commonality of purpose and respect towards each other.

Treñas said the city have also invited and will be joined by local chief executives of Metro Iloilo and Guimaras to better harmonize biking initiatives and bikers’ welfare in the new normal.

These are being highlighted through the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), which is currently chaired by Treñas.

“Let us make it more inclusive by including Iloilo province and island of Guimaras in the promotions,” Treñas said.IMT