Car-free and peaceful, these conditions make for the best cycling routes especially for beginners. This may not seem possible in a place like Metro Manila, but there are a few spots where people can practice riding their bikes with relative ease. Here are five places where you can start riding a bike.

1. Marikina River Park

Marikina River Park is an 11 kilometer series of pathways, parks, community gardens, plazas and bridges along the Marikina River. Every morning and afternoon, residents walk or jog along the path. Some bring their bikes, while others bring their fishing rods. 

The Marikina River Park offers a controlled environment whose slow pace allows beginner cyclists to find their momentum and have more room for mistakes. 

Ciclo Cyclists wearing custom cycling apparel from Ciclo Custom

If you’re not from Marikina City, there are parking slots at Riverbanks Mall, SM Marikina and other areas connected to the river park. It is also accessible via public transport with many jeeps passing along A. Bonifacio and Marilaque Highway. 

2. UP Diliman Academic Oval

The UP Diliman Academic Oval is a 2.2 kilometer oval loop inside the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus in Quezon City. Century-old Acacia trees line the loop giving the area day-long shade.

Photo by Ian Braga

Normally it is open to vehicular traffic, but it does have a lane reserved for joggers and cyclists wide enough to accommodate all safely. And on Sundays, the entire oval is closed to cars.

3. Bonifacio Global City

 Cycling Matters custom bike jerseys from Ciclo Custom

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a central business district located in Taguig City. The area has slowly shifted to more inclusive transport during the COVID-19 pandemic when they dedicated entire car lanes to people on bikes.

A popular place to start cycling in BGC is around Bonifacio High Street commercial area. The loop is two kilometers long with protected bike lanes. High Street is also sandwiched between two parks which are alternatives for riding in the area. 

4. Mall of Asia Seaside Boulevard

Mall of Asia (MOA)’s Seaside Boulevard is very popular for cyclists around Metro Manila. Its mainly attractive for the smooth and flat road. It’s easy to ride there for beginners While for more experienced cyclists, it’s easy to ride fast. 

 Ciclo Cyclists at Mall Of Asia Seaside Blvd. wearing Ciclo Jerseys

Cyclists going around Seaside Boulevard take fast and slow lanes. Faster cyclists are on the inner lanes close to the road island, while more relaxed riders are on the outer lanes closer to the sidewalk.  

5. Filinvest Alabang

Filinvest Alabang is another business district in Muntinlupa City, south of Metro Manila. If you live close to the area, it’s a good place for riding your bike. Bike lanes and roads closed to cars on weekends are some measures put in place to attract people on bikes. 

As is always said, practice makes perfect. And getting better and gaining comfort on a bike will give you confidence to go further. Just remember to go at your own pace and make sure to take the necessary safety precautions when riding.

If you want to learn more how to ride happy and ride safe, check out our Ciclo Cycling Tips blog. 

Curious to find  more routes? Check out Ciclo's bike route guides:

• Bike Routes Near Metro Manila - Nuvali
• Bike Routes Near Metro Manila - Sierra Madre
• Laguna Loop Cycling Route Guide
• Five Coffee Ride Destinations Outside Metro Manila
• Cycling Trip: Quezon City to San Juan, La Union
• Cycling Trip: Quezon City to Baler, Aurora
• Cycling Trip to Lake Caliraya, Laguna
• Cycling Aurora's Pacific Coast
• Five Romantic Bike Routes in the Philippines