SM Mall of Asia celebrates World Bicycle Day 2022 with United Nations Philippines

The partnership celebrates cyclists around the nation

Did you know SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City is one of the most bike-friendly malls in the Philippines? In 2020, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, launched the Bike-Friendly SM initiative which advocates a healthy cycling culture.

Since then, SM has installed 1,155 bike parking facilities nationwide, 86 bike repair stations across all malls, and has established a total of 19.75km of shared and dedicated bike lanes at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Seaside in Cebu, as well as bike trail parks, and bike-and-dine facilities.

In line with this initiative, United Nations (UN) Philippines has partnered with SM to celebrate World Bike Day last June 3. During the festivity, fun bike rides around SM Mall of Asia marked UN Philippines’ first time to officially celebrate the occasion, as joined by more than 200 cyclists led by UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez; officials from UN Philippines; the embassies of the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Netherlands and Poland; and cycling advocacy groups including the Firefly Brigade.

From left: Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano’s Chief of Staff Atty. Peter Pardo, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Populations Fund country representative Leila Joudane, and SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant Vice President Perkin So.

Here in the Philippines, the UN’s advocacy for World Bike Day is to promote green mobility, reduce carbon emissions, and adapt healthier lifestyles. “With all of these crucial advocacies carried by World Bicycle Day, riding our bicycles is a small act with great impact on achieving national and global goals,” says Resident Coordinator Gustavo.

Embassy of the Czech Republic Charge d’Affaires Dalibor Micka and cycling vlogger
Moses Amira.

Aside from these advocacies, the initiative also highlights SM’s comprehensive plan to make communities where SM malls are located, more inclusive, livable, and sustainable.