Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Friday called on Filipinos to adopt cycling as a regular mode of transportation, citing its health benefits.

During the National Bike to Work Day celebration, Herbosa urged different local governments to create health-enabling environments that supports cycling infrastructure, enhancing road safety, and improving access to green spaces.

A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that 36 percent of Filipino households in 2023 use bicycles for various activities, with one in every three households having at least one cyclist.

The same poll revealed that 24 percent of cyclists use bicycles for essential activities like commuting to work.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that there are four bicycle owners for every car owner in the country—a trend consistent since 2020.

These findings stress cycling’s growing role as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and healthy alternative for transportation.

Benefits of cycling

As part of the BiyaHealthy campaign, the DOH and World Health Organization (WHO) highlight the significant benefits of cycling for personal health and environmental sustainability.

They noted that cycling helps reduce carbon footprints, lower transportation costs, and improve physical and mental well-being.

It is also an effective way to lower the risk of lifestyle-related diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Both organizations encouraged 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,” WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo De Jesus said.

De Jesus also underscored that encouraging more people to cycle to work can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and 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,” he added.

Policy Support for Cycling

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.

This proclamation highlights the importance of bike-friendly policies, such as the creation of safe and protected bike lanes, bike parking spaces, and educational initiatives to promote road safety and respect for cyclist.

Both the DOH and WHO also encourage 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.

Meanwhile, Secretary Herbosa reiterated the benefits of cycline for physical health, environmental sustainability, and mental well-being.

“Besides, we can also save more on our daily fare. That is why the DOH is united in encouraging every local government, government agency, and private companies to make bicycling easier and safer for Filipinos so that more people choose bicycling as their mode of transportation,” the Health chief said.