Photo: Jilson Tiu
QUEZON CITY, October 15, 2022 — Mobility advocates and climate activists light up the streets of Quezon City using bike lights, illuminated placards, reflectors and other glowing devices to promote policies and infrastructure which ensure the safety and inclusivity of streets in Metro Manila.
Cyclists traversed the streets of Diliman, Quezon City from 4:30PM to 7:30PM on Saturday. The night ride, organized by 350 Pilipinas, the Mobility Awards, Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Kalikasan Peoples’ Network for the Environment, aims to highlight the need for infrastructure that is safer and more accessible to vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, and children, and thereby allowing more people to shift to active transportation modes to get around their city.
“Developing equitable transport systems is paramount in our pursuit to develop safe and climate-smart cities,” said Fread De Mesa, Coordinator for 350 Pilipinas. “Cycling plays a crucial role in this because it is a clean, healthy, and affordable solution to reduce transportation pollution, to create sustainable communities, and to curb carbon emissions which cause global warming.”
Photo: Leo M. Sabangan II
According to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), only 12% of Filipino households are car owners and yet the majority of the road spaces are dedicated to them. This is not only happening in Metro Manila but everywhere else in the Philippines where the conditions for cyclists and pedestrians remain a challenge.
“We believe that commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists can lead the way to a better normal. We also believe that cycling can be a liberative tool to eliminate inequities in community health outcomes, mobility, and transportation access. These are integral in creating connected, equitable, and thriving communities,” said Celine Tabinga, Convener for the Mobility Awards
“Leadership is crucial in creating a policy environment that ushers in the long-term integration of inclusive mobility and sustainable transportation in the country. The government and the private sector need to work with citizens to realize this vision, and to ensure that everyone can freely move and no one is left behind,” she concludes.
Photo: Jilson Tiu
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
350 Pilipinas is an advocacy organization working for climate action that is based on the realities of science, and grounded on the principles of justice.
The Mobility Awards is a platform that recognizes acts of leadership by Philippine local governments, workplaces, and establishments promoting active mobility among their constituencies, customers, employees, and communities. It is convened by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, 350 Pilipinas, MNL Moves, and the Pinay Bike Commuter Community, along with The League of Cities of the Philippines and 27 regional partners from across the country. For more information, visit mobilityawards.ph.
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines is an alliance of youth orgs, individuals, and student formations that advocates for immediate global climate action led by the youth. For more information visit yacap.org
Kalikasan Peoples Networks for the Environment is a network of people’s organizations, nongovernmental organizations and environmental advocates that aims to address environmental problems in such a way that primacy is given to the people—especially in the grassroots level. For more information visit kalikasan.net
Photo: Leo M. Sabangan II