ILOILO was named a Bike-Friendly City in the Philippines during the Phil Bike Awards 2018 at the World Trade Center Manila last September 9.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the award was given to the metropolis because of its sustainable bike programs, unending support to the biking community, and promoting environmental awareness through biking.
Espinosa said the city promotes road sharing especially with the bike lanes, and that vehicle drivers should refrain from using them.
“It’s really a give and take situation because we shouldn’t always rely on the premise that there should be an apprehension and there should be someone to implement it. It should be upon ourselves that we take action; and under the principle of road sharing, let’s share our road or observe its specific use,” he said.
City Sports Division officer-in-charge Moises Salomon Jr. said the city won the competition because of its strong foundation and partnership with the private sector. He noted the cities of Marikina and Pasig were also strong contenders.
The metropolis highlighted the annual Iloilo Bike Festival being held during summer season as its strong point.
“We are having our bike festival every year. They also noticed that our bike lanes are wide enough,” Salomon said. (PR)