Cyclist killed after tumbling on slopy bike trail

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A cyclist died after he tumbled down a slopy bike trail in a mountainous portion of Barangay Cuyad, Alimodian, Iloilo morning of March 12.

Businessman Marloun Novo, 40, of Barangay Dulonan, Arevalo, Iloilo City, failed to steer clear of the downhill trail path and rolled down some 80 meters.

Captain Chrysler John Ledesma, Alimodian police chief, said Novo was with four cyclist friends when the incident happened around 9 a.m. Sunday.

“‘The trail is so steep. When he lost control of the bicycle, he quickly came tumbling down,” he said.

The victim reportedly hit his head on the ground as he dived downhill.

Personnel from the Rural Health Unit were called in to rescue the victim.

Ledesma said RHU members did try to revive Novo before he was rushed to Aleosan District Hospital.

But when he arrived at the hospital past 10 a.m., the victim was declared dead on arrival.

Ledesma said that Cuyad, a village located more than 10 kilometers from the town proper, has been one of the favorite spots for cyclists who prefer trail biking.

But following what happened, Alimodian Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche has recommended that cyclists should coordinate with the RHU when gaming “dangerous routes.”

In this way, they would be briefed and guided on what to do.

Ledesma said they could also call for assistance when needed.