Quezon City and Iloilo Named Among Southeast Asia’s Bike-Friendly Cities

Filipino cyclists just got something to celebrate! Quezon City and Iloilo City have officially made it to the list of Southeast Asia’s Most Promising Bicycle-Friendly Cities at the first-ever Southeast Asia Mobility Awards (SEAMA) 2025.

The awards night in Kuala Lumpur honoured local governments across ASEAN that are pushing for greener and more people-centred transport. And yes, our very own QC and Iloilo are standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the region’s biggest names.

Here’s the rundown of the winners straight from the Clean Mobility Collective Southeast Asia:

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• Metropolitan Cities: Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur

• Component Cities: Da Nang (Vietnam), Surabaya (Indonesia), Semarang (Indonesia)

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• Metropolitan Cities: Singapore, Quezon City (Philippines), Jakarta

• Component Cities: Iloilo City (Philippines), George Town (Malaysia), Bandung (Indonesia)

Quezon City got recognised for its growing network of protected bike lanes and its early efforts to include active transport in city planning. Iloilo, already known as the Bike Capital of the Philippines, was praised for weaving cycling into its urban design.

Also read: 10 Bike Trails in and Near Quezon City

I have to say, this win feels extra sweet. Iloilo is genuinely one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities I’ve seen in the Philippines. It is peaceful, walkable, and incredibly bike friendly. It is the kind of place that makes you wonder why the rest of the country cannot follow its lead.

Quezon City, meanwhile, is not perfect. Some areas look polished and upscale, others are messy and chaotic. But QC will always be special to me. It is where all of my biggest life milestones happened and it is a city that has shaped so much of who I am. That is why I cannot help but feel proud seeing Quezon City being recognised on a regional stage.

Also read: You Won’t Believe How Safe, Clean, and Walkable Iloilo City Is (Even the Cats Prove It)

Image credit: Quezon City Government Website

These wins prove that bike-friendly infrastructure is not just a foreign thing. It is happening here in our own cities. If Quezon City and Iloilo can lead the way, more Philippine cities might finally follow. And that could mean safer rides, greener spaces, and commutes that are not only bearable but maybe even enjoyable for more Filipinos.

Featured image credit: rainrainbowchou | Unsplash