A NEW Pulse Asia survey has revealed that 94 percent of Filipinos agree with proposals to construct safer and wider bicycle lanes and walkways.
The survey findings highlighted a severe disconnect between public demand and state policy, framing what advocates for cycling, walking, and other forms of active transport called the “94 percent Paradox.”
Convenors of the Mobility Awards pointed out that while 94 percent of Filipino households do not own cars, citing a 2022 Social Weather Stations study/
The national budget allocated to active transport infrastructure has suffered a 94 percent decline over the last four years, dropping from P2 billion in 2022 to P105 million in 2026.
“The 94 percent carless majority has spoken, and our leaders must step up to protect them. First, the President must declare active transport an economic and labor priority in his upcoming State of the Nation Address. Second, Congress must reverse years of fiscal neglect and lock in a minimum P1 billion budget for active transport in 2027. Lastly, local governments must deploy their own funds to build interconnected networks for active transport,” said Amber Garma, national coordinator for the Mobility Awards.
“For the majority of our workforce, walking and cycling are not lifestyle choices—they are financial lifelines. Active transport keeps money in workers’ pockets and drives daily productivity. Yet we are stuck in a paradox where funding and infrastructure are designed to protect only the 6% who own cars,” Garma added.
Results of the survey conducted last May 23-26 indicated that the people envision a seamless integration of active transport and mass transit. Massive support for safer bike lanes and walkways (94 percent) is virtually matched by the demand for expanded public transport lanes (93 percent), and further backed by calls for transit subsidies (82 percent). This highlights a clear desire among Filipinos for a connected network where walking, cycling, and commuting work together. Conversely, maintaining the policy of prioritizing private vehicles received the lowest level of public agreement at 72 percent,” the group said in a statement.
The Mobility Awards recognizes outstanding champions of active transport across the Philippines. It is convened by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, MNL Moves, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, 350 Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter in partnership with local active transport organizations nationwide.
