By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City launched its Bilang Siklista (Bicycle Count) initiative today, June 5, as part of the annual Iloilo Bike Festival.
The program aims to bolster the city’s reputation as the bike capital of the Philippines and enhance its status as a bike-friendly city.
The Bike Count program is a collaborative effort by the Iloilo City Government, led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, in partnership with the Iloilo Bike Council, Iloilo Folding Bike Riders (iFOLD), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6, and the Mobility Awards.
Mayor Treñas highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “This initiative will strengthen Iloilo City’s position as the Philippines’ bike capital and improve our status as a bike-friendly city.”
City Hall has coordinated with various offices to establish a technical working group. This group has trained volunteers to count cyclists on major roads in Iloilo City. The initiative aims to establish baseline data and monitor bicycle traffic.
Teams are stationed at 10 locations during peak hours (6 AM to 8 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM) to conduct the Bike Count.
The data collected from the survey will inform policies and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting more inclusive and sustainable transportation options.
Consistent data will also support transport planning, road infrastructure monitoring, and other potential opportunities for the city.
