The relaunch of the bike racks at Rizal Park in Manila marked another milestone in the city’s push for sustainable urban mobility. The ceremony, which was held Jan. 17 at the European Garden, also known as the Noli Me Tangere Garden, in Rizal Park, was led by H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union ambassador to the Philippines, and Deputy Executive Director Jezreel Gaius Apelar of the National Parks Development Committee, underscoring a shared commitment to greener, more livable cities.

Cyclists from across Metro Manila gathered at Luneta to join the EU Delegation in its advocacy for sustainable development and climate action. The initiative, which also covers bike rack rehabilitation in Intramuros, is a partnership between the EU Delegation to the Philippines and the NPDC, with strong support from cycling associations and advocates including Kalyetista, CYCAD, CycleBros, Firefly Brigade, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, PINASLOWRIDAZBC, Make It Safer Movement, Bamboo Bikes, and Renacimiento.

Ambassador Santoro emphasized the EU’s ambitious climate targets: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. “Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions,” he said. “Soft mobility, through public transport and bicycles, are effective and affordable solutions for achieving these objectives. The bike racks in Rizal Park perfectly represent cycling as a viable, accessible mode of transportation, helping reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles.”

Deputy Executive Director Apelar highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing active mobility. “These facilities and partnerships stand as a testament to our shared commitment to sustainability and inclusivity in public spaces. They represent our support for environmentally responsible transport and our dedication to making our parks more accessible to all,” he remarked.

Cyclists amplified the advocacy by ringing their bike bells, symbolizing a collective call for families and communities to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mia Bunao, administrator of Kalyetista/Explore Your City on a Bicycle, described the project as “an enduring gift that creates a sense of community and symbolizes Pakikipagkapwa, a shared mission with active mobility stakeholders to promote sustainable and livable cities.”

The event also featured reflections from cycling advocates. Dr. Roselle Leah Rivera of Firefly Brigade Inc. poetically captured the spirit of the movement: “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.”

Pio Fortuno Jr., president of the Tiklop Society of the Philippines, celebrated the infrastructure’s symbolic importance: “Every completion of bicycle-friendly infrastructure is a cause for celebration, but this one is special since it allows bicycle access to the Philippines’ foremost historical landmark, made possible through the support of our friends from the European Union.”

The relaunch of the bike racks at Rizal Park is more than an infrastructure project. It is a symbol of collaboration, climate courage, and community. By encouraging cycling as a mainstream mode of transport, the initiative contributes to reducing emissions, easing traffic congestion, and fostering healthier, more sustainable urban living in Manila.