BIKE-FRIENDLY ILOILO: National Bike Day Awards and Recognition hosting ensures sustainability of city’s initiatives

The National Bike Day Awards and Recognition opens November 24 with a Food Festival and Bike Exhibit at SM City Iloilo, followed by a Bike and Food Tour starting at 6pm to savor some of delicious Ilonggo delicacies around the metropolis.

Iloilo City, the Philippines’ “Bike Capital” and two-time Gold Awardee for both the Mobility Awards and Bike Lane Awards, hosted this year’s National Bike Day Awards and Recognition, Nov. 24 to 26.

Mayor Jerry Treñas stressed the City Government ensures the sustainability of its initiatives by collaborating with the private sector, such as SM, as one of the biggest sponsors and official site partner for the three-day festivities, which will host some 3,000 bike enthusiasts all over the country.

SM for its part, is an advocate of biking through its SM Cares, which has embarked on a mission of supporting the bike-riding public through the Bike-Friendly SM Program. Long known for its health and environmental benefits, biking has emerged as a way of safe and cost-free transportation during the pandemic. With bicycles becoming more widely used, SM has created bike-friendly infrastructures and facilities to give the growing number of bike commuters a safe, convenient, and enjoyable biking experience.

“SM is enthusiastic about this initiative and fully supports the LGU and the Department of Transportation. All main events will take place at SM City Iloilo; we will provide sound systems, stage, and all the necessary equipment to set up the event,” Asst. Mall Manager Darrel John Defensor said.

As a Mall for All, SM is privileged to contribute to the accessibility and enjoyment of biking for commuters. Across all SM Supermalls, over 500 bike racks and more than 80 repair stations are installed nationwide . – Additionally, SM has established dedicated and shared bike lanes, totaling 19.75 km, at key locations such as SM Mall of Asia and SM Seaside Cebu. SM City Marikina offers bike lanes and complimentary vehicle parking for customers with bikes, while SM Pulilan boasts a 2.1-hectare bike trail. Other recreational biking amenities include bike trails at SM Seaside and SM Batangas, as well as Bike-and-dine facilities in various malls. Furthermore, SM City Iloilo has partnered with the local government to promote a cycling culture in the community.

SM collaborates with LGUs in programs and infrastructure and continue to partner with the DOTr in recognizing their efforts through the Bike Lane Awards, now on its third year. This year, the Awards will be done for the first time outside of Metro Manila, hosted by SM City Iloilo – We have collaborated with Department of Transportation in Bike Safety campaigns and the Share the Road campaign, as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local government units, and bike organizations – altogether contributing to the promotion of cycling in our country.

On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Bike Fun Ride started 6am at SM City Carpark to Diversion Road, Mandurriao; General Luna, Arroyo Fountain, Plaza Libertad, Freedom Grandstand, Muelle Loney, Capitol, City Proper; La Paz; Jaro Plaza, Buhang Flyover, Circumferential Road, Ungka Flyover; and back to SM City in time for the National Bike Opening Ceremonies at 8am, Circuit Race-Road Bike Category at 8:30am, and Active Mobility Forum at 2pm.

On Sunday, Nov. 26, the National Bike Day Awarding Ceremonies and Circuit Race-Mountain Bike Category will begin at 8am and Race Events Awarding at 6pm.

Celebration Director Arch. Wilfredo Sy, Jr. said, “We have the prestige of hosting this event because it will be hosted outside of Metro Manila for the first time. Apart from hosting the National Bike Awards, Iloilo City will also serve as judge for other cities. This shows that in terms of infrastructure advocacy and bike-related programs, we are a bit ahead of the rest of the country.”

“This event could also boost the metro’s economy, owing to the presence of micro-enterprises such as food stalls and local bike stores. At the same time, it would also serve as a training ground for young athletes,” he added.

Awards to be given are under the following categories: Notable Public Official for Active Transport; Notable Competitive Cyclist; Notable Commuter Cyclist; Notable Leisure Cyclist; Notable Storyteller; Notable Bicycle-related Corporate Initiative; and Notable Bicycle-related Micro, Small, and Medium Initiative; Notable Advocacy Initiative; LGU Gold, Silver, and Bronze; Bike Lane Infrastructure Quality; End-of-Trip Infrastructure Quality, and Photo Contest.

The City Government, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), Interagency Technical Working Group for Active Transport (IATWG-AT), led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Active Transport Project Office, and SM City Iloilo will spearhead the awarding ceremonies.