The Quezon City government has received various recognitions from different agencies for its efforts at sustainable alternative transportation and the establishment of safe bike lanes on the city's roads.
The city government said that it received all the awards from national government departments and public and private organizations in the month of November this year.
It said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) named Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte as one of the "Notable Public Officials" for her contributions in leading the city government in implementing programs and policies for active transportation.
QC also received the "Gold Award" as well as the "Bike Lane Infrastructure Quality Award" during the 2023 National Bike Day Awards and Recognition held last Nov. 24-26 in Iloilo City.
It 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.
Both awarding ceremonies aim to recognize cities for their initiatives in promoting active transportation improve the condition of the biking Filipinos in their areas.
According to the city government, 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 local government units workplaces, and commercial establishments as part of its advocacy in pursuing better and safer roads for the biking public.
Among the programs that help the city in its active transportation initiatives were the conversion of the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility, a former dumpsite, into a bike park where cyclists can pedal around and enjoy the view overlooking the metropolis; and the City Tourism Department's promotion of the Katipunan Freedom Trail that pays homage to the historical significance of the Katipunan while also encouraging the use of bike lanes.
It also placed bike ramps along underpass and footbridges in different areas like Quezon Memorial Center along Commonwealth Avenue, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center along Quezon Avenue, and the University of the Philippines (UP) Town Center along Katipunan Avenue to help cyclist cross highways in the city.
The QC Parks Development and Administration Department and Department of Public Order and Safety - Green Transport Office (DPOS-GTO) also placed plant boxes along the city’s major roads, which serve as protection to the cyclists passing through the bike lanes.
The city government said the DPOS-GTO continues to rehabilitate the existing 173-kilometer bike lanes in the city to encourage more QCitizens to use bicycles when commuting or travelling.
“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,” said.
She also reiterated the importance of active transportation that helps in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle while reducing carbon emissions as part of the local government's efforts for a green and livable city.