Bambino, a bamboo balance bike by Bambike Revolution Cycles, was one of the four winners from the Philippines featured in Tokyo, Japan, through the ASEAN Design Selection program. This initiative, established by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) in partnership with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), aims to promote creative industries in ASEAN by acknowledging products and services with outstanding design and positive social impact.
Bambike is a socio-ecological enterprise in the Philippines, crafting bamboo bicycles with fair-trade labor and sustainable practices. Their bamboo bike builders, known as Bambuilders, are sourced from Gawad Kalinga, a local community development organization. Committed to social and environmental stewardship, Bambike aims to create the greenest bikes while providing jobs to those in need, aligning with its mission to build environmentally friendly products and foster employment opportunities.
Both Japanese and Filipinos share a deep connection with bamboo, evident in local folklore, stories, art, and cuisine. In the Philippines, bamboo faces stigma despite its abundance, often considered inferior to traditional wood. However, Bambike’s founder, Bryan Benitez McClelland, proves that with proper utilization, bamboo embodies Filipino pride. Recognizing bamboo’s rapid growth and eco-friendliness, Bambike crafts durable bicycles from bamboo. With strength comparable to steel, bamboo bikes offer smooth rides, effectively absorbing road vibrations.
Part of the Bambike ecosystem, Bambike Ecotours offers an immersive exploration of Manila’s rich history and culture, as told by the sites and streets of Intramuros. These guided tours around Manila’s storied “Ciudad Murada” or Walled City, built in 1571 by the Spanish colonial government, take visitors from the iconic San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through the historic streets and notable landmarks of Intramuros. Bambike Ecotours is a highly recommended activity for eco-conscious travelers, promising a memorable and educational experience in Manila.
Bambike’s founder Bryan Benitez McClelland shares more:
Bridges: When you think of Japan in connection to Bambikes, what do you see?
Bryan: Well, I see similarities in the way that both cultures appreciate bamboo. Through cultural heritage and a preference for the material, there’s a mutual draw. Recently visiting Tokyo and experiencing events like the World Design Assembly and the ASEAN Good Design Exhibition was eye-opening. Exploring museums, historical houses, and Shinto temples showcased Japan’s deep appreciation for nature. Bambike shares these values; we aim to respect and honor nature through our products. The vibrant bike culture in Japan, especially the sight of young mothers navigating the city on e-bikes, was truly impressive. It reflects a deep integration of biking into everyday life, something we aspire to achieve.
If we were to reverse the scenario, what aspects of Filipino biking culture do you think Japanese visitors might find intriguing?
While there’s a growing biking culture in the Philippines, it’s more limited and specialized compared to Japan. We’ve noticed specific areas and demographics embracing biking here. At Bambike Ecotours in Intramuros, we’ve incorporated touches of Japanese hospitality, such as our cold towel service and Japanese-language tour maps. Partnering with organizations like Crossroads, we’ve welcomed Japanese interns who’ve contributed to our initiatives, making our tours more accessible to Japanese-speaking visitors.
How do you plan to attract more Japanese tourists to experience Bambikes in the Philippines?
We’re exploring collaborations with entities like the ASEAN-Japan Center to promote our services to Japanese travelers. Our goal is to integrate Bambike Ecotours into their recommended itineraries, tapping into Japan’s interest in exploring cultural and sustainable experiences abroad.
Our goal is to integrate Bambike Ecotours into their recommended itineraries, tapping into Japan’s interest in exploring cultural and sustainable experiences abroad.
Bryan Benitez McClelland, Founder of Bambike
Could you tell us about the market potential for Bambino and other Bambike products in Japan?
The Bambino, our children’s bike, and other products like our mountain bike frames have sparked interest in Japan. We’ve observed our bikes being utilized and appreciated on Japanese streets. Through collaborations with local bike shops, we’re striving to enhance accessibility for Japanese consumers. Our innovative designs, such as the Bambino’s modular frame, cater to diverse age groups and lifestyles, positioning them as ideal gifts or eco-conscious investments in Japan’s market.
