MBC and Shell support inclusive sharing of roads in Share the City Gran Fondo 2023

10 June 2023 – The Makati Business Club and Shell Pilipinas Corporation partnered with Mobile in MNL for this year’s Share the City Gran Fondo where over 200 participants rode out in support of inclusive road sharing among all road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians.

This year, participants nationwide were challenged to complete the 100 kilometer bike ride within the day, which was tracked via Strava App. The event was inspired by the bike rides organized in Italy where participants ride 100 kilometers in a day.

“Promoting cycling is part of MBC’s advocacy for pro-people transport, including safe and reliable public transport and walking and biking infrastructure. With our member Shell, we hope today’s event helps build understanding and support for this cause,” said MBC Executive Director Coco Alcuaz.

Around thirty-nine (39) Shell stations participated in this event where bike participants can park their bicycles in designated bike racks to purchase bike accessories or for some refreshments. By visiting designated hill stations and uploading a selfie or a video of themselves on social media, participants earned bonus points to get special prizes.

“[Cycling], I think this has grown during the pandemic. And I’m glad it did. There are certainly community benefits, societal benefits as well as health benefits of biking and cycling. I do worry about safety, and that’s why we need to make sure that we continue to make our roads and our facilities safe for bikers” Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, Shell Pilipinas Corporation President and CEO said.

MBC’s Business for Biking Program partnered with Shell Pilipinas Corporation to implement initiatives that cater to the growing population of cyclists. The bike ride is the second activity under this partnership, with the Asphalt Art along Pinaglabanan Street in San Juan City being the first. Read more here: MBC and Shell Pilipinas Corporation help San Juan City develop safer streets

Participants finished with their rides gathered at the Share the City Pop-Up booths located at Capitol Commons Park, Pasig City for coffee, food, bike apparel and accessories, bike and biker maintenance. Shell Cafe, Kombi Brew, Tambay Cycling Hub are just a few of the booths at the event.

“When we started the Share the City Gran Fondo in 2021, part of our dream for a more inclusive city was to have establishments see bike commuters as people whom their business can serve. Partnering with Shell for the last run of the event made sense because of their commitment to becoming bike-friendly across their stations. We all know that their core customer base is car owners, but their pivot to more sustainable energy and support of sustainable transport aligned with our vision for Share the City. We are optimistic that this is just the beginning and that Shell’s involvement becomes a signal to other businesses that being bike-friendly is a net gain.” said Rowhe Siy from Mobile in MNL.” Mobile in MNL is an advocacy group formed in 2020 dedicated to sharing stories of everyday Filipinos who prefer and choose active transport—walking, biking, and using personal mobility devices—to get around. The group believes people who take active mobility have a right to ample space in Philippine cities.

MBC’s transportation advocacy is aimed at safe, reliable mobility to mobilize the workforce, boost business productivity, and advance socio-economic recovery.

Interested in MBC’s transportation initiatives? Visit MBC’s Business for Biking Program Webpage.