BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
IN THE heart of the Philippines, Iloilo City is setting the pace as a paradigm of urban cycling culture.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Iloilo Bike Festival from July 20 to 28, 2024, the city once again stamped its reputation as the Bike Capital of the Philippines.
This decade-long journey has transformed the festival into a movement championing cycling as both a sustainable mode of transportation and a dynamic communal activity. Since its inception in 2014, the Iloilo Bike Festival has evolved significantly, fostering an inclusive environment where cyclists of all ages and abilities can thrive.
This year, the city unveiled a diverse lineup of activities that captured the essence of its cycling culture. The adrenaline-inducing “Tour De Iloilo” drew competitive cyclists from across the nation, while the “Kiddie Race” offered a fun and safe arena for young enthusiasts.
Moreover, the “Bikes and Music Xperience” blended rhythmic beats with pedal beats, illustrating the festival’s innovative approach to community engagement.
At the core of these festivities is Iloilo’s expansive 11-kilometer bike lane network; it embodies the city’s commitment to creating a bike-friendly infrastructure. This network was highlighted throughout the festival, particularly during the “Pedal Power: Grand Fun Ride” which attracted hundreds of participants to the Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.
The fun ride showcased the city’s spirit and ongoing initiatives to bolster cycling enthusiasm among its residents.
The festival also serves as a platform for critical dialogues on the future of urban mobility. This year’s “SHIFT HAPPENS: A Mobility Forum” brought together key stakeholders to discuss enhancements to cycling infrastructure and policies, ensuring that the city’s trajectory towards sustainability remains robust and inclusive.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed pride in the festival’s impact, noting that the large turnout at the fun ride vividly demonstrates the city’s resolve to reinforce its identity as a true haven for cyclists. His remarks reflect a broader vision, one that sees the festival not merely as an annual event but as a catalyst for enduring lifestyle changes across the community.
Beyond the pedals and wheels, the Iloilo Bike Festival symbolizes a larger commitment to health, wellness, and sustainable urban living.
As the festival concluded its 10th iteration, it not only celebrated the achievements of the past but also set the gears in motion for future advancements.
With each passing year, Iloilo City is not just marking milestones but is pedaling towards a greener, more sustainable future, making it a role model for other cities across the Philippines and beyond. As the wheels of progress spin forward, the Iloilo Bike Festival stands as a beacon of innovation, community, and environmental stewardship./PN
