MARIKINA, Philippines – Are you looking for new open spaces in Metro Manila to walk, jog, and bike through? The City of Marikina just launched its first ever car-free Sunday on March 2.
A portion of Gil Fernando Avenue, particularly from Xeland Marikina to Comedor Restaurant, was closed off to vehicles from 6 am to 10 am, to give way for residents and pedestrians to conduct Zumba sessions and mural makings, establish food stalls, and freely navigate the street.
Themed, “Marikina Together,” the project was organized by the local government of Marikina City, in partnership with the Happy Pedal Project, a community of mobility and cycling advocates, and Eats Marikina Association.
To promote the safety of visitors, designated lanes are provided for pedestrians, while bikers are asked to follow a speed limit on a separate lane.
Pets are welcome too, as long as owners will clean up after them.
Visitors are encouraged to not bring private vehicles — but for those who will come outside Marikina, parking areas are available along Aquilina street, Buenviaje street, E. Mendoza street, and 6th and 7th street.
Promoting walkability and cyclo tourism
According to Happy Pedal Project member Coi Castillo, they wanted to promote cyclo tourism in the city by collaborating with food establishments and the city government.
“The Happy Pedal Project just started as a community [that] likes to ride bikes and of course, do food trips. And then eventually, we wanted to have a purpose…so we decided to promote active transfer through cyclo tourism. So cyclo tourism, this includes promoting the food and attractions. We want to work with the government and the establishments,” Castillo said in a mix of English and Filipino.
To make this possible, the Happy Pedal Project initially petitioned the city government to conduct a trial car-free day in the city. However, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has decided to implement car-free Sundays every week to boost foot traffic and promote weekend family days among residents.
In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte recently implemented a similar ordinance where car-free Sundays are enjoyed by the public along Tomas Morato Avenue once a month.
As more car-free streets are being opened to cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, Move As One Coalition member Jeza Rodriguez, expressed what this means to the biking community.
“Car-free Sundays are a signal to the community that you have a space in the city that you can enjoy, exercise and connect with other people without spending too much…it may face resistance here and there specially from people who are not used to this new approach but when they see how it attracts people from different parts of the city, they might reconsider and even participate in shaping how it’s done,” Rodriguez said.
Car-free streets are part of what can make Philippine cities liveable. This coverage is part of the Make Manila Liveable campaign which aims to tackle and address issues concerning liveability and quality of life. Learn more about the movement here. – with reports from Marcus Reyes/Rappler.com
Marcus Reyes is a Rappler intern. He is a fourth-year political science student at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), working as a sports staffer in The GUIDON, ADMU’s official student publication.