Iloilo City, dubbed the “Bike Capital of the Philippines”, is continuously maintaining the title with the coordination of the local government unit and also with several group advocates and cyclists. It started with the need for a mode of transportation during the height of the pandemic and flourished riding a bicycle into a sort-of-a lifestyle for most people.

Iloilo City is considered a bikeable city due to several factors that promote and support cycling as a means of transportation. Here are some reasons why:

1. Infrastructure: Iloilo City has been investing in the development of bike-friendly infrastructure. Dedicated bike lanes, bike racks, and bike-sharing programs have been implemented to encourage safe and convenient cycling.
2. Bike-friendly roads: The city has been improving its road infrastructure to accommodate cyclists. Iloilo has an 11-kilometer bike lane that stretches out from Diversion Road to selected city roads. Some city roads have implemented designated bike lanes, while others have installed traffic-calming measures to enhance the safety of cyclists.
3. Urban planning: Iloilo City has integrated urban planning strategies that prioritize non-motorized transportation, including bicycles. The city aims to create a more walkable and bikeable environment by reducing reliance on cars and promoting sustainable transportation options.
4. Government support: The local government of Iloilo City has shown support for cycling as a mode of transport. They have implemented policies and initiatives to encourage cycling, such as bike-to-work programs, cycling events, advocacy campaigns, and even established the Iloilo City Bike Council to oversee these initiatives.
5. Cultural acceptance: Cycling has become increasingly popular in Iloilo City, and the community has embraced it as a viable mode of transportation. This cultural acceptance creates a positive environment for cyclists, fostering safety and mutual respect on the roads.
6. Compact city design: Iloilo City’s relatively compact layout makes it conducive for cycling. The city center and key destinations are within reasonable biking distance, reducing the need for long car journeys and promoting cycling as a convenient option.
7. Health and environmental benefits: Cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle and helps reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Iloilo City recognizes these benefits and encourages cycling to improve public health and sustainability.

These factors combined make Iloilo City a bikeable city, offering residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable cycling experience while promoting a more sustainable and livable urban environment.

Below is a sample cycling video and uploaded to my Youtube channel I took when I did a bike-to-work from my apartment in Lapaz passing the downtown up to the Iloilo City Hall.

What do you usually do when you go out to bike? For leisure? For exercise? Errands? A visit to your friends? What else? Whatever your goal when you do city biking, make sure that it is within enjoyment and safety. As for me, my day-to-day biking is biking-to-work on weekdays and leisure biking on weekends. Bike-to-work is out of necessity and given the pandemic scenario.

*header image from the Daily Guardian

In the case of weekend enjoyment of just biking to your favorite coffee place or paying a visit to a friend, I took the pleasure of city biking. Every day, I see more and more bikers in the downtown streets along Muelle Loney avenue and at the Iloilo City Diversion road. Good thing that Iloilo City, with the help of the LGU, is slowly adapting to the new normal of bicycles plying its city streets.

The support is there: on the establishment of a bike lane network, and infrastructures to further enhance the bicycle as one of the major commuting transport. This will then be partnered with the local policies that will also lean to the main objective of “sharing the road.”

The way I see it, we still have a long way to go in this, but I am happy with the way things are going. There are several obstacles and issues along the way, and it is expected. This is not rightly done overnight. These will be solved, not only by the city officials but also with the cooperation of the various bike groups and enthusiasts, and the general public. I am dreaming of Iloilo City in the future as an established bike capital city of the Philippines and will continue to do so in the coming decades.