QC LGU staff help a beginner learn how to bike on the road, while practicing proper road safety.

The Quezon City Government held the first Maginhawa Bike Day last March 1, 2025 to encourage cycling as a mode of active transport with free bike lessons and talks on road safety, guidelines, and etiquette for cyclists, basic first aid, and the benefits of cycling for health and the environment. 

The event, held at the Teacher’s Village East Barangay Hall, aligns with the Quezon City Government’s sustainability aims under the Sparking Active Mobility Actions for Climate-Friendly Cities (SPARK) Project, of which Quezon City is a partner.

The SPARK Project is a 2.5-year project implemented along Maginhawa Street, Quezon City and A. Mabini Street, Pasig City, Philippines by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). It aims to increase the role of active mobility—such as walking and cycling—in building resilient, safe transport systems that contribute to national emission reduction targets and promote climate-friendly mobility behaviors through community-driven strategies.

In December 2024, the Quezon City Government inaugurated street murals, parklets, revitalized pedestrian crosswalks, and a colorful shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians along Maginhawa Street as one of the efforts under the SPARK Project. 

Co-designed and installed by community members, the installations were a result of the Quezon City Government and stakeholders’ collective effort to make Maginhawa Street more people-centered and respond to the demands for shared and protected pathways for pedestrians, residents, and cyclists alike.

Alberto H. Kimpo, Quezon City Assistant City Administrator for Operations, talked about the SPARK Project interventions during the Maginhawa Bike Day and said that, based on the collected data since the interventions were established, more people are opting to walk along Maginhawa Street and traffic flow has improved.

Kimpo also mentioned that efforts from the community to keep public spaces safe, accessible, and people-centered should be spearheaded by the barangay leaders working hand-in-hand with community members. 

A participant in Ms. Bunag’s impromptu learning activity shares what they have written on their card, and their interpretation of the photo.

Humanity in mobility

Mia Bunag, an active mobility advocate and member of the cycling communities Explore Your City On a Bicycle and Kalyetista, said that while only a very small portion of the Philippine population are car owners, the Philippines is still experiencing a high level of traffic congestion that negatively impacts everyone.

During the Maginhawa Bike Day, Bunag also spoke about bike culture and how it plays a critical role in developing tight-knit communities through the concept of “pakikipagkapwa” or a sense of fellowship or community with others. Bike culture, shared Bunag, included small and random acts of kindness between fellow bikers, whether acquainted or strangers, such as talking and greeting each other while on the road, and reporting hazardous obstructions and incidents, among others.

As one of the speakers during the event, Bunag encouraged new cyclists to maintain this bike culture to keep the positive image of cycling communities that contributes to the safe and friendly treatment of cyclists. 

Mia Bunag, an active mobility advocate and member of the cycling communities Explore Your City On a Bicycle and Kalyetista, hands out free reflective stickers and keychains, sponsored and donated by her fellow advocates of bike-commuting and active mobility.

A safe cycling experience

The Maginhawa Bike Day, which also aimed to grow and strengthen Quezon City’s cycling community, equipped new and experienced cyclists with knowledge on existing local policies concerning cyclists and various skills for a safer cycling experience.

Raymundo Madura of the Quezon City Government’s Department of Public Order and Safety – Green Transport Division shared an overview and list of past and current projects and city ordinances enforced by the local government which citizens must observe when it comes to cycling and road rules.

Oscar Tuazon, an expert cyclist and member of cycling group Cycle Brothers, shared road safety tips for cyclists and basic hand signals to use when cycling along roads.

Moreover, Aldrin Pelicano, founder of the activity mobility advocacy group MNL Moves, shared his expertise in providing first aid for cyclists, and how to assess, treat and avoid the most common cycling injuries, ranging from minor to serious or major injuries, including heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Aside from having a first aid kit and contact cards as safety preparedness measures, he highlighted the importance of conducting pre-riding checks on both gear and self as preparation before heading out on the road.

Meanwhile, Francis Mendoza of Bikers United Movement gave an overview of recommended clothing, gear, and tools to bring whenever cycling. He shared that gear repair tools such as a portable hand pump, electrical tape, headlamp, extra inner tube, and multi-purpose tools are important when caught in unexpected situations and for quick fixes before damaged parts can get repaired by a professional. 

Francis Mendoza of Bikers United Movement shows a portable hand-pump that he carries on his travels in case of emergency repairs.

Dr. Eduardo Asuncion, Medical Officer at Quezon City Health Department, talked about the physical and mental benefits of cycling that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

After the talks on cycling safety and guidelines, the SPARK Project team, Quezon City Government representatives, and cycling trainers conducted practical bike lessons. Participants borrowed bicycles and helmets for free and tested their learnings on the vibrant cycling pathway along Maginhawa Street.

The Maginhawa Bike Day was organized by the Quezon City Government and Barangay Teacher’s Village East, through the support of the SPARK Project and Maginhawa Food Community. Bambike Ecotours Intramuros and Bike Project Manila also supported the event by lending their bicycles and sending additional trainers for the practical bike lessons, respectively.

Members of the SPARK Project Team and the QC LGU pose with the resource speakers invited for the day, holding their certificates of appreciation.

The QC LGU staff, SPARK project team, attendees and invited speakers pose for a photo.