The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), calls on Filipinos to adopt cycling as a regular mode of transportation for its health benefits. During the National Bike to Work Day celebration earlier today, November 29, DOH urged different local governments to create a health-enabling environment that supports cycling infrastructure, road safety, and access to green spaces. A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that 36% of Filipino households in 2023 use bicycles for various activities, with one in every three households having at least one cyclist. The same survey revealed that 24% of cyclists use bicycles for essential activities like commuting to work. Furthermore, there are four bicycle owners for every car owner in the country—a trend consistent since 2020. These findings underscore cycling’s growing role as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and healthy alternative for transportation. As part of the BiyaHealthy campaign, the DOH and WHO highlight the significant benefits of cycling for personal health and environmental sustainability. Cycling helps reduce carbon footprints, lower transportation costs, and improve physical and mental well-being. It is an effective way to lower the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Both organizations encourage Filipinos to adopt active transportation practices to promote better health outcomes, reduce chronic disease risks, and lower healthcare costs. “The WHO strongly supports the promotion of active transportation such as cycling, as it contributes to both individual health and the environment. By encouraging more people to cycle to work, we not only reduce traffic congestion and air pollution but also create healthier, more resilient communities. The shift towards cycling represents an important step in building a sustainable future and promoting public health in the Philippines,” expressed WHO Representative to the Philippines, Dr. Rui Paulo De Jesus. Under Presidential Proclamation No. 409 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the last working day of November each year, is officially recognized as National Bike-to-Work Day to emphasize the importance of bike-friendly environments. This includes advocating for policies for safe and protected bike lanes and the development of bike parking spaces, as well as initiatives that educate all road users about respecting cyclists as road users. Both agencies also urge employers to support cycling employees by providing bike racks, showers, and safe storage spaces, fostering a healthier workforce to honor Filipino workers who choose bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. “Ang pagbibisikleta ay nakakabuti sa ating kalusugan, kalikasan, at kaisipan. Bukod dito, mas makakatipid rin tayo sa ating araw-araw na pamasahe. Kaya naman kaisa ang DOH sa paghikayat ng bawat lokal na pamahalaan, ahensya ng gobyerno, at mga pribadong kumpanya na gawing mas madali at ligtas ang pagbibisikleta ng mga Pilipino upang mas marami pa ang pumili ng pagbibisikleta bilang kanilang paraan ng transportasyon. Sama-sama nating isabuhay ang tema na: ‘Ride Together, Thrive Together!’ tungo sa isang mas malusog at mas masiglang hinaharap,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
