August 8, 2024
More than 30 city planners, cycling advocates, and transport planners from Antipolo, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Dipolog, Himamaylan, Iloilo, Muntinlupa, Naga, Ormoc, Quezon City, Tacloban, Tacurong, and Tagbilaran pledged to collect baseline data on bicycle and pedestrian usage by 2025. This crucial information will inform the development of evidence-based policies and investments to create safer, more inclusive, and climate-resilient urban environments.
The pledge was made during a recent sustainable urban mobility workshop hosted by The Climate Reality Project Philippines in Baguio City from 02-05 August 2024.
One of the core issues highlighted at the workshop was the critical need for interconnected transportation systems. While large-scale infrastructure projects like rail lines are essential, their effectiveness hinges on efficient feeder systems. This means that buses, jeepneys, and other public transport, as well as non-motorized options like walking and cycling, must seamlessly connect people to and from rail stations.
“A lot of [the ongoing] rail projects are great, but they will fail severely if there’s no feeder service. It’s called the transportation system because it has to be multiple components working together. Our fearless forecast is that if you do not develop the feeder system, then the rail system will not do anything to improve our commute,” said Ira Cruz, Director of AltMobility PH, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to urban planning that considers all modes of transport and their integration.
Unfortunately, many Philippine cities are designed with cars in mind, creating a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists. “Our cities are not designed in such a way that it’s comfortable,” Cruz added. “So what happens is, because our cities are terrible, [like our public transportation and our sidewalks], you’re now creating an unnecessary demand for motorized transportation.”
This car-centric urban planning fosters a vicious cycle: poor public transport and unsafe infrastructure drive people towards private vehicles, leading to increased congestion and pollution. In turn, government leaders often prioritize road expansion, further exacerbating the problem.
To break this cycle, the workshop highlighted the urgent need for cities to invest in safe and connected infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transport. By understanding how people move, planners can create efficient routes and networks. Pedestrian and cyclist counts provide valuable data on travel patterns, helping identify the most effective infrastructure investments.
“The mobility revolution is happening now. We cannot ignore it,” declared Arielle Celine Tabinga, Mobility Awards National Coordinator. “Globally, more and more people see the value of walking and cycling. It’s time that cities here in the Philippines see that and act on it, or risk being left behind.”
Leading the charge are forward-thinking cities like Iloilo and Quezon City, both awarded gold ratings in the 2023 National Mobility Awards. These cities shared best practices during the workshop.
Quezon City, dubbed the “Most Bicycle-Friendly City in the Philippines” in 2023, boasts approximately 200 kilometers of bicycle lanes. The city’s commitment is solidified by the QC Safe Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance of 2020 and the development of an active mobility master plan aiming to expand the bicycle lane network to 350 kilometers.
Iloilo City, the “Bike Capital of the Philippines,” has also made significant strides with 46.55 kilometers of dedicated bicycle lanes. The City Bike Council, a collaborative platform involving government and private sector representatives, has been instrumental in driving cycling initiatives.
Both cities emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, using bicycle counts and a robust stakeholder consultation system to inform infrastructure improvements.
“The best route for cyclists is often the shortest and straightest,” said Alyanna Mae Bernadette, Traffic Operations Officer of the Quezon City Government. This highlights the crucial role of direct and efficient bicycle lanes in promoting cycling. Alongside these, end-of-trip facilities such as bicycle parking and repair stations are essential to create a complete cycling experience.
Moreover, both cities also recognize the need for cooperation among cities in metropolitan regions. Wilfredo Sy, Jr. of the Iloilo City Architect Office shared that they had problems implementing the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan because they had to wait for neighboring cities and municipalities within Metro Iloilo-Guimaras.
Beyond government initiatives, the workshop highlighted the power of community engagement in shaping sustainable transportation. Speakers from across Southeast Asian civil society organizations shared inspiring stories of grassroots movements influencing urban development policies in their cities.
Dominic Nobleza, a community organizer with Metro Naga Active Transport in the Philippines, exemplified this. His group acts as a bridge between policymakers and commuters, advocating for sustainable infrastructure projects in Naga City. Despite challenges, their commitment to building a more accessible and equitable transportation system for all remains strong.
Similarly, Phuong Hue Nguyen from Think Playgrounds Social Enterprise in Vietnam highlighted the importance of green spaces in urban areas. Her organization collaborates with local communities to revitalize public parks and streets, proposing innovative solutions to improve traffic flow and safety. This collaborative approach ensures projects address the needs of the people who use them.
Chuck Baclagon, Regional Finance Campaigner of 350 Pilipinas, underscored how social movements drive impactful campaigns through education, collaboration with marginalized communities, and amplifying their voices. “A robust community ownership of solutions is actually a necessary condition for any form of climate action,” he said.
