Manila Implements Car-Free Roxas Blvd Every Sunday Morning

Manila Implements Car-Free Roxas Blvd Every Sunday Morning

(SPOT.ph) Manila folks, rejoice—the city just passed an ordinance that bans all vehicles on a portion of Roxas Boulevard every Sunday. This adds to the list of major roads in different Metro Manila cities that go car-free on weekends, in favor of more open spaces for the people.

Roxas Boulevard goes car-free on Sundays 

Beginning May 5, part of Manila’s Roxas Boulevard will be closed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. to provide a pedestrian-friendly zone for residents and visitors. Motorists will not be allowed on both the northbound and southbound lanes from Padre Burgos to Quirino Avenue. That’s more than two kilometers between the Manila Zoo area and Luneta Park.

Sixth District Councilor Salvador Philip Lacuna filed the ordinance, believing it would boost the city’s environmental protection program. He also stressed the importance of bringing the community together with healthy activities like jogging, walking, and cycling.

Lacuna credited metropolitan cities abroad and locally, particularly Makati and Pasig, for the car-less policy. The Manila City Council (MCC) also assured the public that the closure of Roxas Boulevard would not cause road congestion on a Sunday since fewer vehicles are traveling.

“The filed draft ordinance was encouraged and supported by the members of the council. All of them are looking forward to experiencing a car-free Sunday in the City of Manila. This is also a way of letting people enjoy the natural beauty of the city, particularly the view of Manila Bay,” said the MCC in a Manila Bulletin report.

Beyond Manila City

Car-free zones or car-free days have a place in communities. In Pasig City, there are “People’s Streets,” where weekday, busy streets have become venues for fairs, play areas, or simply for pedestrians. Meanwhile, Makati City also implemented car-free Sundays on one of its busiest roads last year.

The benefits of car-free days have been measured in various ways, and although its impact differs from location to location, it’s clear that it helps efforts in slowing down climate change. It also allows for more pedestrian-friendly zones that bring city folks together.