THE first-ever Mobility Awards was launched on Tuesday in celebration of World Car Free Day and to recognize the most bike-friendly cities, workplaces and commercial establishments in Metro Manila.
The awards aim to spur concerted action among government, commuters, and the private sector to make a bikeable Metro Manila, according to organizing groups Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), MNL Moves, The Climate Reality Project Philippines (TCRP Philippines) and 350 Pilipinas.
“It’s a fact 88 percent of households in Metro Manila don’t own cars. They are the majority and should be the priority, not the 12 percent who have at least one car,” urban planner and MNL Moves Founder Aldrin Pelicano said.
“Promoting cycling is certainly not the only solution, as active mobility requires improving walkability and public transport, but protecting the growing number of cyclists and encouraging others to bike is a real step in the right direction. Let’s make a bikeable Metro Manila, together,” Pelicano added.
The inaugural round of the Mobility Awards will recognize the top 3 nominated cities or municipalities, workplaces and commercial establishments in the Metro, as determined by a panel of judges.
The panel is composed of Pelicano, ICSC Associate for Program Development Maria Golda Hilario, TCRP PH Branch Manager Nazrin Camille Castro, 350 Pilipinas volunteer and 350.org Asia finance campaigner Chuck Baclagon and Pinay Bike Commuter Community Founder Jaramia Amarnani.
The organizers hope to hold the awards nationwide in the future.
“People in Metro Manila cycle every day. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority counted over 100,000 cyclists traversing six major intersections on Edsa last June, with an average of 4,000 cyclists every day. Even MMDA officials consider the numbers are likely a huge underestimate, which is why a regular bike count needs to happen, in more locations,” Pelicano added.
The organizers said nominations are unlimited and are already being accepted via the web site mobilityawards.ph starting until October 22. Winners will be awarded on October 29.