Thousands of cycling enthusiasts from all over the country recently
came together for Pedal Forward, a nationwide celebration spearheaded by SM
Cares aimed at promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation that
contributes to a cleaner, greener, and more cycling-inclusive Philippines. The
event took place simultaneously at SM by the BAY and select SM Supermalls
across the country last November 23.
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| Cyclists nationwide join forces for Pedal Forward, an SM Cares initiative advocating eco-friendly transportation and cycling inclusivity. |
Declared through Proclamation No. 1052, National Bicycle Day is
celebrated every fourth Sunday of November, aiming to promote a culture of
cycling to reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote
public health. In line with this annual observance, SM Cares created Pedal
Forward with the goal of bringing together cyclists from all walks of life and
encouraging them to ride not just for fun, but as an active contribution toward
sustainability.
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| More than 2,100 cyclists come together as one for a greener future during National Bicycle Day, held simultaneously at eight SM Supermalls nationwide: SM by the BAY, SM City Clark, SM City Fairview, SM City Marikina, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Iloilo, SM Lanang, and SM Seaside City Cebu. |
One of the highlights of the event was a Community Bike Fun Ride that
took place at SM by the BAY, with similar bike rides held simultaneously in
many other SM Supermalls, collectively engaging over 2,100 riders.
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| At SM by the BAY, bikers enjoy a stunt demo by
Certified Mountain Bike Instructor Kimi Grande. |
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| A Tambike Party to unwind after the community ride, where cyclists relax and celebrate their shared passion for biking. |
One of the highlights of National Bicycle Day is the Bike-Friendly
Check, an initiative empowering cyclists to suggest improvements for making SM
malls more bike-friendly. Participants assess facilities across 86 SM
Supermalls nationwide, which currently offers over 6,300 bike parking slots,
repair stations, and tenants with bike products and services. Committed to
sustainability, health, and community building, SM continuously invests in
enhancing its bike facilities to ensure malls are safe and accessible. Through
the Bike-Friendly Check, SM aims to improve amenities, reinforcing its
leadership in promoting a bike-friendly environment for the growing cycling
community.
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| SM Cares' Pedal Forward unites cycling enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring a community that embraces sustainable and active lifestyles. |
The event underscored the theme of community, drawing support from
various cycling advocacy groups, local government representatives, and partners
in the private sector, while inspiring participants to embrace biking not only
as part of their daily routine, but to nurture healthier and more sustainable
communities.
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| Aside from joining their parents/guardians during the community bike runs at the eight locations, a Bike Safety Clinic is organized at SM by the BAY as part of the event to ensure that kids are well-informed about bike safety measures. |
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Children and Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. (SM Cares)
