Mobility Awards Adds New Categories for 2025 Edition

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Mobility Awards has opened nominations for its fourth edition, launching on July 4 with returning bicycle-friendly categories and two new honors for bike-friendly schools and pedestrian-friendly cities.

The returning categories include Bicycle-Friendly Cities, Workplaces, and Establishments, while the new Bicycle-Friendly Schools category recognizes educational institutions that support students who use bicycles.

This includes elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities with bike-friendly facilities, safety measures, or cycling programs.

Aimee Oliveros, interim branch manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, said the new category emphasizes protecting young road users.

“We’re challenging schools, colleges, and universities. Students, especially children and youth, are among the most vulnerable road users, and creating safer conditions for them isn’t just good policy—it’s a moral imperative,” Oliveros said.

Bicycle-Friendly nominees will be evaluated based on four criteria known as the “Four I’s”:

• Infrastructure: Physical facilities and end-of-trip amenities.
• Integration: Policies and programs that promote cycling.
• Implementation: Enforcement of cyclist-focused rules and safety measures.
• Inclusivity: Accessibility for persons with disabilities, women, children, and seniors.

Nominees may be awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold, or the newly introduced Katipunan rating—the highest recognition, given to transformational efforts or those earning three consecutive Gold ratings.

The new Pedestrian-Friendly City category honors cities that make significant efforts to ensure safe, walkable streets.

This category will also use the “Four I’s” framework, but with a focus on pedestrian infrastructure, policy prioritization, project delivery, and safety and accessibility.

Winners of this category will receive a plaque, certificate, and official merchandise.

Maria Golda Hilario, director for urban development at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, stressed the need for inclusive infrastructure amid the planned removal of protected bike lanes in some cities.

“Many bicycle users ride out of necessity, not by choice, because they have no transport options and fares are high,” Hilario said.

“Removing their only protection—barriers—without safe alternatives isn’t just poor planning, it puts lives at risk,” she added.

Chuck Baclagon, regional finance campaigner of 350 Pilipinas, said the awards encourage local governments to enhance mobility and safety in their communities.

“It’s important for local governments to step up by designing people-first streets, enforcing speed limits, and improving non-motorized transport infrastructure,” Baclagon said.

Organizers also announced the 2025 Bilang Siklista bike count in 16 cities, including Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Danao, Davao, Iloilo, Mandaue, Mandaluyong, Naga, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, Tagbilaran, and Taguig.

Individual Awards

Returning special awards include the Padyak Champion and Siklista ng Bayan, which recognize cyclist messengers and individuals using bikes for livelihood.

These awards are open to delivery riders nominated by courier companies like Grab, Lalamove, and Foodpanda, as well as self-employed riders, pedicab drivers, vendors, and community messengers.

Past nominees for these categories are not eligible again.

“These special awards spotlight new and emerging cycling livelihood champions, giving others a chance to be recognized for their work on the road and in their communities,” the Mobility Awards said on its website.

Top winners will receive medals, certificates, merchandise, and cash prizes: PHP20,000 for first place, PHP10,000 for second, and PHP8,000 for third.

Nominations for all categories can be submitted at mobilityawards.org until September 7, with winners to be announced in November.

Launched in 2020, the Mobility Awards is the country’s first citizen-led campaign recognizing local governments, businesses, and institutions that promote cycling as a key mode of transport.

It is organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, MNL Moves, 350 Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter, with support from local cycling communities.

The program began in Metro Manila in 2020 and expanded nationwide in 2021.

Iloilo City earned Gold as a Bicycle-Friendly City in 2021 and 2023.

In 2021, SM City Iloilo and Robinsons Place Iloilo were honored as Bicycle-Friendly Large Commercial Establishments, while Iloilo Business Park, Central Philippine University, and the University of San Agustin were recognized as Bicycle-Friendly Workplaces.