CYCLING. Results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey show that one out of three Filipino households uses bicycles. The March 26 to 29, 2023 survey revealed that the number of cycling households rose to 36 percent, or an estimated 10 million households, from around 29 percent from the April 2022 survey. (Screenshot of the SWS survey result graphics)

MANILA – One out of three Filipino households uses bicycles,  a Social Weather Stations survey released Thursday showed.

The survey, from March 26 to 29, 2023, revealed that the number of cycling households–or families with at least one member who cycles for any activity rose to 36 percent, or an estimated 10 million households.

The latest number is higher than the April 2022 survey figure of 29 percent, or around 7.3 million Filipino families, and the May 2021 figure of 24 percent, or 6.2 million households.

The March 2023 survey showed that around 24 percent, or an estimated 6.6 million Filipino households nationwide, own bicycles.

SWS said there were more bicycle owners than car owners nationwide, with a resulting ratio of bike-to-car owners at 4:1.

“Thirteen national SWS surveys from May 2020 to March 2023 show that there were more bicycle owners compared to car owners nationwide. In all 13 surveys, the bulk of motor vehicle owners nationwide own two-wheeled types, such as motorcycles,” it said.

Around 27 percent of Filipino households (7.5 million) cycle for recreational activities, while 24 percent (6.7 million) cycle for essential activities.

Essential activities include market or grocery store runs, going to and from work, and going to places aside from the workplace. Recreational activities include sightseeing and exercising.

Among the cyclist-household members in March 2023, 12 percent or around 13.1 million are males and 4 percent or 4.3 million are females, with a 3:1 ratio.

The main reasons cited why Filipinos cycle were to save on fares and to improve one’s health.

Other reasons cited were to save on travel time, to lose weight, for recreation, and to meet other people.

The survey was done using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)