 |
| Cycling advocates and enthusiasts riding their bikes around SM City Fairview during the Philippines' observance of National Bicycle Day last November 23, 2024 for a sustainable cause. (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/SM Supermalls) |
Going to and from work using a bike may be a good exercise, moreover, it contributes to clean air and less pollution in the environment. However, in the Philippines, not every area is bike friendly. Some cities may claim to prioritize cyclists, but with a variety of vehicles occupying the same road, keeping a strict bike lane rule tends to become the least priority. Thankfully, to help empower those who pedal for a clean and green future, an initiative advocating eco-friendly transportation and cycling inclusivity brought thousands of cycling enthusiasts from all over the country to encourage a sustainable lifestyle and promote the benefits of cycling through Pedal Forward, an initiative that not only emphasizes the importance of reducing carbon emissions, but also cultivates a strong sense of community among cycling enthusiasts. By advocating for safer bike lanes, improved infrastructure, and increased awareness, it lays the foundation for a future where cycling is accessible, inclusive, and recognized as a key driver of environmental sustainability.
Pedal Forward is a nationwide event organized by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include programs for the environment, persons with disabilities, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. The event celebrated cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, contributing to a clean, green, and inclusive Philippines. Held simultaneously at SM by the BAY and select SM Supermalls across the country (SM City Clark, SM City Fairview, SM City Marikina, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Iloilo, SM Lanang, and SM Seaside City Cebu) last November 23, 2024 which coincided with the observance of National Bicycle Day in the Philippines, the event brought together thousands of cycling advocates to champion a sustainable future. Declared by Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. through the issuance of Proclamation No. 1052, National Bicycle Day is celebrated every fourth Sunday of November, aiming to promote a culture of cycling to help reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote public health. In line with this annual observance, SM Cares created Pedal Forward with the goal of bringing together cyclists from all walks of life and encouraging them to ride not just for fun, but as an active contribution toward sustainability. Headlining the event was a Community Bike Fun Ride that took place at SM by the BAY with similar bike rides held simultaneously in many other SM Supermalls, collectively engaging over 2,100 riders from various walks of life across different parts of the country.
One of the highlights of National Bicycle Day is the Bike-Friendly Check, an initiative empowering cyclists to suggest improvements for making SM malls bike-friendly. Participants assess facilities across 86 SM Supermalls nationwide which currently offers over 6,300 bike parking slots, repair stations, and tenants with bike products and services. Committed to sustainability, health, and community building, SM continuously invests in enhancing its bike facilities to ensure malls are safe and accessible. Through the Bike-Friendly Check, SM aims to improve amenities, reinforcing its leadership in promoting a bike-friendly environment for the growing cycling community. The event underscored the theme of community, drawing support from various cycling advocacy groups, local government representatives, and partners in the private sector, while inspiring participants to embrace biking not only as part of their daily routine, but to nurture healthy and sustainable communities. The growing advocacy for cycling marks a significant step toward creating a clean, green, and inclusive Philippines — one pedal at a time.
To learn more about these programs, visit the SM Cares website at www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
