The Mobility Awards is sounding the alarm. Vehicular crashes are on the rise. Bike lanes are disappearing. This is unacceptable. The Awards is calling for immediate action to improve road safety and create more inclusive street infrastructure. This is crucial for the 94% of Filipinos who rely on walking, cycling, and active mobile devices for transportation.
Maria Golda Hilario of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) highlighted the dangers of removing bike lanes without providing safe alternatives. Many cyclists ride out of necessity, not choice. Removing their protection puts lives at risk. This isn’t just poor planning; it’s reckless.
Chuck Baclagon of 350 Pilipinas points out that road deaths reflect a systemic disregard for pedestrians and active mobility users. Local governments must prioritize people-first design. Stricter speed limits and improved non-motorized transport infrastructure are essential.
The Mobility Awards are now accepting nominations for its 2025 awards. They’re recognizing efforts to promote active mobility and inclusive public spaces. This year, they’re expanding the Bike-Friendly Awards to include schools and universities. This is vital, as students are among the most vulnerable road users. Creating safer conditions for them is both good policy and a moral imperative, says Aimee Oliveros of The Climate Reality Project Philippines.
The awards will consider the quality of cycling infrastructure, supportive policies, inclusivity, and creative solutions. New categories include a Pedestrian-Friendly City Award and the Padyak Power to the People! The award, which celebrates cyclists who use bikes for their livelihood.
Nominations are open until September 7th. The winners will be announced in November 2025. The awards also include the 2025 Bilang Siklista Bike Count in July. This citizen-led initiative aims to gather data to support investments in safe and inclusive low-carbon transport.
The Mobility Awards, initiated in 2020, urge citizens to recognize efforts towards creating inclusive cities. Organized by ICSC, MNL Moves, 350 Pilipinas, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Pinay Bike Commuter, the awards represent a collaborative effort to improve mobility in the Philippines. It’s time for lawmakers and city planners to listen. The lives of millions depend on it. Prioritizing the needs of the vast majority of Filipinos who are pedestrians and active mobility users is not just sensible; it’s essential for a sustainable and equitable future. Vehicles taking up excessive road space do not benefit the Philippine ecosystem. Let’s make our streets safer for everyone.
