26 February 2021 — MBC conducted its third Consultation Session under the Business For Biking program in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands with Makati City. The consultation session was designed to foster collaboration between policymakers with local biking groups, urban planners, and other stakeholders in developing bike-friendly policies and infrastructure.

Makati City Public Safety Department Head of the Transportation Division Jorge Calpo shared the city’s plans and future initiatives to support biking. “In the case of Makati, we have lots of roads that are converted into one-way flow. These LGU regulated road traffic flows are a big advantage to bike planning concepts,” Calpo said. 

Pantaleon Valencia, Officer-in-Charge for the Makati Parking Authority (MAPA) was also present and shared their plans to provide additional 230 bicycle parking on existing on-street parking slots. 

Suggestions that were raised during the meeting include improved data collection on cycling in Makati, establishing a Makati bicycle office, and continuously consulting with civil society groups for future bike infrastructures. “We hope to build broad support for the future plans of cycling in Makati, and to improve its inclusiveness. Through this, we hope to increase its chances of success,” said Kevin Punzalan, Senior Policy Officer of the Embassy of the Netherlands.

“We need to change culture. It’s something that everyone needs to work on. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we can change our practices and behavior,” added Robert Siy, Convenor of Move As One Coalition. 

The Business For Biking Program is a joint initiative with the Embassy of the Netherlands to promote biking as a sustainable solution to the lack of safe public transportation options for Filipino workers. This program aims to help develop bike-friendly policies and cycling infrastructure across Metro Manila in order to mobilize the workforce, boost business productivity, and advance socio-economic recovery.