Cover This cyclist explains the biking boom and the need for more infrastructure in the Philippines (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
This cyclist explains the biking boom and the need for more infrastructure in the Philippines (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
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The bicycle became very visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to First Bike Ride founder Lester “Buji” Babiera. Yet, the question remains: Is our country truly accommodating to cyclists?
Filipino cycling advocate Lester “Buji” Babiera started braving the roads of Metro Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The streets were empty. People stayed inside their homes due to quarantine restrictions. Vehicles rarely left their parking spots. It was the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts like Babiera, spurred on by his friend, photographer Jilson Tiu, to explore the city on two wheels.
Unbeknownst to him, this experience will significantly change his life. The bike became his closest companion—taking him to places, allowing him to be active, and boosting his moods. It serves as a good conversation starter and a means of solitary meditation. He is not the only one.
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Above Cycling is Buji Babiera’s primary mode of transportation (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
Cycling is Buji Babiera’s primary mode of transportation (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
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Although incomparable to biking-centred countries like the Netherlands, there has been a notable surge in biking activity in the Philippines since then—a silver lining amid the challenges. “Cycling is perhaps the most sustainable form of transport,” Babiera says, noting how it helps mitigate pollution and reduce fuel consumption.
The biking boom led to more cycling infrastructure like bike lanes, racks, and road signs. Local government units, in particular, have been active in maintaining and improving their bicycle structures. “We’ve seen Quezon City doing a good job keeping its promise of connecting its roads with bicycle networks. They also have impressive bike lanes,” he shares. It was recognised as the ‘Most Bicycle-Friendly City in the Philippines’ at the Mobility Awards 2023.
“Makati and Mandaluyong recently added protected bike lanes, too,” Babiera adds. “Outside Metro Manila, Iloilo sets a standard for being a bike-friendly city. Aklan, Davao, Naga, and Cebu also keep up with their sustainable transport policies.”
Above A cyclist rides past a queue of buses on the first day of relaxed quarantine measures on June 1, 2020 in Quezon city, Metro Manila (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
A cyclist rides past a queue of buses on the first day of relaxed quarantine measures on June 1, 2020 in Quezon city, Metro Manila (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
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While there has been an increase in cycling infrastructure, more is needed. Safer pathways for road users shouldn’t be fragmented. “No one should feel confident during half of their journey while fearing for their lives in the other half,” the cyclist says.
For Babiera, design dictates behaviour in this matter. Dedicated pathways free from safety hazards such as speeding motorists should be provided to keep vulnerable road users safe. A mere painted bike lane doesn’t guarantee protection.
“Painted bike lanes provide assurance, but there are still worries because the safety of cyclists depends on those who can harm others,” he explains.
There’s also a need for better policies, particularly in enforcement. “When people violate road rules, it can endanger other road users. I hope to see policies prioritising people’s safety without restricting mobility to accommodate a small portion of road users,” Babiera says.
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Above Buji Babiera (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
Buji Babiera (Photo: Jilson Tiu)
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As work and school resumed their pre-pandemic routines, more people began to limit their time on the saddle. The amount of smog and heat is also discouraging for other cyclists.
Despite the struggles, the biking culture remains lively. Many people have maintained their lifestyles, albeit in a different way from 2020 and 2021. In 2023, an SWS survey showed that one out of every three households in the Philippines owns a bicycle, which is about 10 million households.
“We have evolved our ways to sustain and encourage more people to ride a bike through community rides, bike activities, gatherings, and casual group rides,” the cycling advocate shares.
Babiera founded First Bike Ride, a channel for community-building and advocating for mobility and sustainability.
Initially, it was just a platform for sharing stories he encountered on the road, featuring cyclists, establishments, news, and other related content. But now, it has grown into something much larger. “It now has a website, and together with the cycling community and strangers, we’ve been able to help many people,” he shares. “We’ve organised bike donation drives and supported the livelihoods of those in need.”
Recently, First Bike Ride, together with cycling and mobility communities, successfully overturned Ayala Land’s decision to remove protected bike lanes along Ayala Avenue. It was a collective community effort to ensure safer roads for everyone.
Above Cyclists ride along a bike lane alongside traffic on April 26, 2021 in Pasig, Metro Manila (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Cyclists ride along a bike lane alongside traffic on April 26, 2021 in Pasig, Metro Manila (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
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“Build the appropriate cycling infrastructure, and people will come.”
Babiera insists that providing people with the assurance that they are safe while cycling is the best way to encourage them. “Build the appropriate cycling infrastructure, and people will come,” he says. “Of course, some trips are challenging to undertake by bicycle, which is why bike infrastructure should complement public transportation and other sustainable modes of transport.”
Cycling infrastructure was relatively insignificant before the pandemic, and it was only during the global health crisis that the Philippines realised the importance of establishing proper bike lanes and policies. Perhaps the threat of global warming due to carbon emissions is enough for everyone to act.
When the time comes for most Filipinos to choose bicycles over private vehicles, it holds the promise of a greener future.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
