When the pandemic put the country in a standstill, many of the everyday yet vital services Filipinos had access to were revoked—one of which was transportation.
The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline.
Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.
Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.
"What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country," said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin. "Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone."
Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction
Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.
"It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them," said Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management.
For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.
From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.
This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.
Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited SM's sustainable approach as a demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year's Notable Advocacy Program, and the SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation for Notable Development by the Private Sector.
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