QUEZON CITY, July 7, 2026 — 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 findings highlight a severe disconnect between public demand and state policy, framing what advocates for cycling, walking, and other forms of active transport call the “94% Paradox”.
Conveners of the Mobility Awards point out that while 94% of Filipino households do not own cars, according to a 2022 Social Weather Stations study, the national budget allocated to active transport infrastructure has suffered a 94% crash over the last four years, plummeting from PHP 2 billion in 2022 to a mere PHP 105 million in 2026.
“The 94% 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 PHP 1 billion budget for active transport for 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 demonstrate that the public envisions a seamless integration of active transport and mass transit. Massive support for safer bike lanes and walkways (94%) is virtually matched by the demand for expanded public transport lanes (93%), and further backed by calls for transit subsidies (82%). 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%.
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.
CONTACT:
Denise Fontanilla, Mobility Awards communications coordinator
denise@350pilipinas.org, +63 917 851 4890
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