“The European Union has set ambitious targets to combat climate change. We are working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But we know that climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions,” said H. E. Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines.

“It is heartwarming to note that today we are all convinced that soft mobility, through public transport and bicycles, are effective and affordable solutions for achieving these objectives,” added Ambassador Santoro while concluding that the bike racks in Rizal Park are a perfect representation to promote cycling as a viable, accessible mode of transportation, to help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote a more sustainable urban landscape and healthier lifestyle for Rizal Park visitors.

The rehabilitation of the bike racks in Rizal Park and Intramuros is an initiative of the EU Delegation to the Philippines in partnership with the National Parks and Development Committee. The re-launch is supported by cycling associations and advocates for sustainable lifestyle including Kalyetista, CYCAD, Cyclebros, Firefly Brigade, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, PINASLOWRIDAZBC, Make it Safer Movement, Bamboo Bikes and Renacimiento. 

As noticed by NPDC deputy executive director Jezreel Gaius A. Apelar, “These facilities and partnerships stand as a testament to our shared commitment to promoting active mobility, sustainability and inclusivity in our public spaces. They also represent our support for environmentally responsible transport and our dedication to making our parks more accessible to all through international cooperation.” 

Participants joined the EU in its advocacy toward achieving more sustainable lifestyle and liveable cities by ringing their bike bells to amplify the call for families and communities to do their share in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mia Bunao, administrator, Kalyetista/Explore Your City on a Bicycle, highlighted that the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines’ bicycle rack project is an enduring gift that creates a sense of community and is a symbol of “ pakikipag kapwa” and a shared mission with active mobility stakeholders to promote sustainable and liveable cities. 

Dr. Roselle Leah Rivera of Firefly Brigade Inc. remarked: “We summon the city to the dusk-dance of wheels, pedals pulsing like heartbeats in cooling twilight. Fireflies reborn in flickering bike-lights as communities rise, ride and breathe as one — each crank-turn sparking awareness and every mile rekindling climate courage. 

“Today is a great day, as we bear witness to the relaunching of the bike racks at the Luneta. While every completion of any bicycle friendly infrastructure is a cause for celebration, this one is special since it allows bicycle access to the Philippines’ foremost historical landmark, and it is made possible by friends from the European Union,” said Pio Fortuno Jr., president of Tiklop Society of the Philippines, which promotes the use of folding bikes in the country.