The Quezon City government on Sunday announced that it has garnered several awards from various public and private agencies for its efforts in pushing for sustainable alternative transportation and providing safe bike lanes for all.

It said the Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recognized Mayor Joy Belmonte as one of the Notable Public Officials for her contribution and initiative in leading the city government in its advocacy to implement programs and policies for active transportation.

The city also bagged the Gold Award as well as the Bike Lane Infrastructure Quality Award during the 2023 National Bike Day Awards and Recognition in Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, QC was hailed during the Mobility Awards 2023 as the Most Bicycle-Friendly City, earning the Gold Award and ranking first among all cities in the country. Other local government units that were exemplary in their bike lanes implementation were also recognized such as Iloilo City and Baguio City.

The Mobility Awards was organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), MNL Moves, Climate Reality Project-Philippines, 350.Org Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter to give recognition to LGUs, workplaces, and commercial establishments as part of its advocacy in pursuing better and safer roads for active transportation.

"The awards that we received from the national government and the private sector exemplify our commitment to foster road safety and accessibility. We are truly humbled and honored to have been recognized and we will continuously pursue the advocacy towards better, safer, and accessible active transportation for our QCitizens," Belmonte said.

One of the key programs of the city is the conversion of a former dumpsite, the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility into a bike park where cyclists can ride their bikes and enjoy the view overlooking the metropolis.

In addition, the City Tourism Department led the promotion of the Katipunan Freedom Trail which pays homage to the historical significance of the Katipunan while also encouraging the use of bike lanes.

In its bid to provide safe and protected bike lanes, the city government through the QC Parks Development and Administration Department and Department of Public Order and Safety – Green Transport Office has put plant boxes along the city's major roads where the bike lanes are located.

DPOS-GTO continues to rehabilitate the existing 173-kilometer bike lanes to encourage more QCitizens to embrace cycling as a means of commuting.

The mayor reiterated the importance of active transportation which helps in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions as part of QC's commitment to the global community.