More than 218,000 people riding bicycles were counted across 15 cities in the Philippines during the 2025 Bilang Siklista bicycle count, the country’s largest citizen-led effort to track cycling trends.
The count was conducted from July to September 2025. Volunteers observed 180 locations nationwide. They counted during four-hour peak commuting periods. A total of 688 citizen volunteers participated.
Organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) through the Mobility Awards, Bilang Siklista began in 2021. It is now a key annual benchmark for active mobility in the country.
This year, the initiative expanded its reach. New partner cities included Bacolod and Tagbilaran. Both conducted their first-ever bike counts. City planning offices led the efforts.
Fifteen local government units (LGUs) from previous years held their own volunteer training. They are building internal capacity. Bike counting is becoming part of annual urban planning practice.
Some cities piloted digital counting. They used the Counterpoint app. It tests digital tools for better data accuracy and efficiency.
“Citizens show up despite poor weather conditions,” said Celine Tabinga, national coordinator of Mobility Awards. “It shows acts of collaborative leadership and cooperation amongst cities and citizens.”
She added, “They are working towards making our streets safer. Especially for those who have less on wheels.”
Metro Manila recorded the highest number of cyclists. Quezon City led with a daily average of 19,232 cyclists over seven count days.
Taguig followed with 16,607. Mandaluyong had 14,354. Marikina counted 11,363. Pasig recorded 10,410.
In the Visayas, Mandaue City led with 6,753 cyclists. Iloilo City counted 4,716.
In Mindanao, Davao City reported the highest volume. It counted 3,506 cyclists.
“These high volumes reflect sustained bike-commuter demand,” Tabinga said. “They also show results of proactive city investments in safer, more extensive, and better-connected cycling networks.”
Still, the 2025 data shows challenges. Overall, cyclist numbers dropped by an average of 26% across comparable sites.
The Visayas saw the steepest decline. It fell by 30.61%. Luzon dropped by 28.16%.
Mindanao had a smaller decline. It was only 6.62%. This may suggest different commuting patterns.
Heavy rainfall affected counts. Baguig, Naga, Quezon City, and Iloilo faced weather disruptions. Temporary roadworks and uneven volunteer coverage may have played a role.
Only 2.75% of observed cyclists were women. This is a further decline from past years.
However, some cities reported higher female participation. Tagbilaran had 32%. Danao recorded 29%. Naga reported 16%.
In Naga and Danao, higher shares were partly due to counting pedicab passengers alongside cyclists.
“The 218,000 people-on-bicycles counted represent only a fraction,” said Aldrin Pelicano of MNL Moves. “Many remain exposed to unsafe road conditions.”
He added, “Urgent action is needed to protect people who rely daily on bicycles. Especially persons with disabilities, women, the elderly, and children. They must be able to move safely and comfortably.”
Pelicano stressed, “This is our timely call as we observe the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport starting next year.”
He called on governments and the private sector. They must prioritize movement that is safe, affordable, and interconnected.
Aimee Oliveros of The Climate Reality Project Philippines linked the count to climate action.
“As we observe the Philippines’ Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week,” she said, “the 218,000 people who moved around cities using low-carbon transport like bicycles are an everyday reminder.”
She added, “They show what hardworking Filipinos can do to help clean our air. And reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motorized vehicles.”
“The least we can do,” she said, “is to ensure our roads are safe and inclusive for them.”
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) voiced support.
“While there was an observed decline from last year’s count,” said Arch. Alvin John Pajo, Lead Planning Officer of DOTr’s Active Transport Office, “we see it as a challenge.”
He said, “We must build more cycling infrastructure. It must be safe, reliable, and comfortable.”
He added, “This initiative will help the government prioritize areas for development.”
“It is always an honor,” he said, “to collaborate with NGO and civil society partners in advancing our shared cause.”
