September 7, 2021 | Published by the Mobility Awards | READ THE STORY HERE

Search for the most bike-friendly cities in the Philippines launched

Manila, 07 September 2021 — In time for the second global observance of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the National Round of the Mobility Awards was officially launched, encouraging everyone to nominate their bike-friendly cities, workplaces and business establishments outside of Metro Manila. Following last year’s successful Mobility Awards in Metro Manila, this years’ awards will focus on recognizing acts of leadership promoting cycling and active modes of transportation in commuting across other cities in the country.

The Mobility Awards is organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), MNL Moves, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, 350.org Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community to inspire action, involvement, and coordination among local government units, workplaces, and establishments who want to improve conditions for urban mobility.

“On October 29, 2020, the Mobility Awards rated and awarded nine (9) Metro Manila cities, workplaces, and business establishments for developing cyclists-friendly infrastructures and programs, and likewise recognized six (6) distinguished cyclist-messengers for their everyday acts of leadership while pedaling on our roads. This year, with our regional partners, we are ready to recognize nine (9) cities, nine (9) workplaces, and nine (9) business establishments that are cyclist- friendly outside of Metro Manila,” said MNL Moves founder and the ICSC inclusive urban mobility advisor Aldrin Pelicano.

In 2020, according to the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey commissioned by the Department of Health (DOH),  87% of Filipinos expect bicycles, pedestrians, and public transportation to be prioritized over private vehicles.

“Last year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that the country imported around 2.1 million bicycles. Our count in Metro Manila, together with 168 volunteers recorded that in a matter of four hours, there are 38,932 cyclists on the road in 32 key intersections in four key cities. The numbers of cyclists nationwide are undercounted and we enjoin everyone to make cyclists and pedestrians count. But one thing is clear, cycling has become an essential mode of transportation for Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pelicano.

“The Mobility Awards this year is going nationwide, encouraging cities to participate but excluding Metro Manila as it has already gone through the first round of evaluation. We choose to focus on initiatives that are happening in cities. Cities, as drivers of economic and social development where more than 50% of Filipinos reside, require more urgent actions to address the alarming economic and health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, cities also have the upper hand opportunity to make rapid strides towards inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development,” said Climate Reality Philippines branch manager Nazrin Camille Castro.

The categories for the 2021 national awards are city local government units, workplaces, and commercial establishments. Winners will vie for  Katipunan, Gold, Silver and Bronze ratings, which will be determined by a panel of experts. The assessment will be based on the prevalence and quality of bike-friendly infrastructure, integration of inclusive mobility policies, and progress of infrastructure initiatives and enforcement of bicycle-friendly policies.

“There are still very few women who are cycling compared to men and this is because women and men often have very different travel needs and challenges. We need to understand and fully consider those needs and challenges. A successful cycling design is only achieved when people from all genders, ages, social backgrounds, and disabilities are able to use a bicycle to go places. It is in this context wherein we added inclusivity and innovation to this year’s criteria of the Mobility Awards,” said founder of Pinay Biker Commuter Jaramia Amarnani.

In line of this year’s theme “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, “We challenge everyone to make our communities and cities healthier and our roads safer, by recognizing leaders who are advancing innovative, inclusive policies, programs and approaches that promotes cleaner, efficient and low-carbon modes of transportation. The pandemic reminds us that all the more, collective community efforts are key to a just recovery not just from this pandemic, but as we address the global climate change crises,” said 350.org Asia Finance Campaigner Chuck Baclagon.

The public is encouraged to participate and nominate cities and businesses they think deserve recognition. Nominations can be submitted through www.mobilityawards.ph. Nominations are unlimited and will be open from September 07 to November 05, 2021. Winners will be announced on November 25, 2021.

CONTACT: AC Dimatatac, media@icsc.ngo, +63 998 546 9788; +63 968 539 9514

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