Filipino cycling households rise to 10 million

Does your place support cyclists?

In a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Filipino cycling households rose from 29% in 2022 to 36% in 2023 that is equivalent to 10 million households using bicycles for both transportation and recreational activities. Filipinos taking up cycling are driven by factors such as saving on fares, other difficulties brought by ever-worsening problems in the country’s public transport system, and, to a large extent, health.  

This development drove bike advocate group Mobility Awards to press its call to local government units to prioritize cyclists and people over cars. Such shall prioritize the needs of 88% of households in Metro Manila that do not own private cars, it said.

Mobility Awards national coordinator Arielle Celine Tabinga said the latest SWS survey proves that cycling is not only persisting but steadily gaining momentum. The group said it is time for a safer and more inclusive transportation system that takes into consideration cyclists’ safety and welfare. This call is echoed by another advocacy group, PARA – Advocates of Inclusive Transport.

In a 2021 Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) report, 2,397 cyclists were involved in accidents in the metropolis, 33 of which had been fatal. There is also the recent viral road rage incident involving a cyclist and a Supreme Court employee that adds to the perception that Philippine roads remain unsafe for cyclists.  

Tabinga urged the government to advance inclusive, responsive, and clean transport options that include cycling.  “We invite citizens and road users to join us in our effort to challenge the status quo: nominate deserving cities, establishments, and workplaces for this year’s Mobility Awards. And no matter what you use to travel, respect each other on the road—we all want each other to safely reach our destinations,” Tabinga added. #

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The Mobility Awards is co-convened by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project Philippines, 350 Pilipinas, MNL Moves, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community.

They encourage the public to submit their nominations through mobilityawards.ph/nominate until today, September 7.

Catch the last day of nominations: Pick a bicycle-friendly place for the Mobility Awards 2023