'Cycling households' rose to 36% or 10 million in 2023 —SWS

The number of households in the country that used bikes or cycles for an activity rose to 36% or around 10 million in 2023, according to a new Social Weather Station (SWS) survey.

This was higher compared to the 29% or around 7.3 million "cycling households" recorded in April 2022 and the 24% or around 6.2 million in May 2021.

Based on the results of the survey conducted from March 26 to 29, the SWS said 23% or 6.4 million households use their own bicycles.

The SWS said that there were more bicycle owners compared to car owners nationwide, citing 13 surveys from May 2020 to March 2023.

“Thirteen national SWS surveys from May 2020 to March 2023 show that there were more bicycle owners compared to car owners nationwide,” the SWS said.

“In all thirteen surveys, the bulk of motor vehicle owners nationwide own 2-wheeled types, such as motorcycles,” it added.

The March 2023 survey also found that 13% or 3.6 million households use borrowed bicycles, which doubled from 6% or 1.5 million recorded in April 2022 and May 2021.

Of the 64% or an estimated 17.4 million non-cycling households, 62% or around 16.9 million have no bicycle in their household, and 2% or around 501,000 have bicycles but do not use them.

SWS also said that more households are cycling now for recreational activities, or around 7.5 million people, than for essential activities.

During the survey, household heads were asked about the reasons why they cycle and allowed to choose up to three responses, including other non-listed answers.

Most of the cited reasons were “to save on fares” with 56% or around 5.6 million followed by “to improve one’s health” with 46% or around 4.6 million.

Other reasons cited are: to save on travel time with 27%, to lose weight with 17%, for recreation or play at 8% and 7% said they cycle to meet other people or make friends.

Twelve percent or around 13.1 million of cyclists-household members were males and 4% or around 4.3 million were females.

Of the 15% or an estimated 17.4 million cyclist-household members, 5% or around 5.7 million were aged 0-17, 2% or 2.7 million were aged 18-24, 2% or around 2.7 million were aged 25-34, 2% or 2.3 million aged 35-44, 2% or 1.8 million were aged 45-54, and 2% or 2.3 million were 55 and above.

Forty-five percent or around 7.8 million of cycling household members are the offspring of household heads, the SWS reported.

The First Quarter 2023 Social Weather Survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

According to the SWS, the sampling error margins are ±2.8% for national percentages and 5.7% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The area estimates were weighted by the Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2023 to obtain the national estimates.

The SWS survey questions about bicycle ownership, bicycle usage, the relationship of cycling members to the household head, sex and age of cycling members, and reasons for using bicycles are directed to household heads.

According to the SWS, these items are non-commissioned and are included on its initiative and released as a public service. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News