Many cities around the world are reclaiming their streets for the people, fully pedestrianizing former car-centric areas and converting parking lots into actual parks. In recent years, we’ve seen cities around Metro Manila launch car-free Sundays, closing major thoroughfares to motorized traffic allowing people to jog, bike, skate, exercise, and stroll safely without worrying about too many vehicles on the road.
Want to experience traffic-free streets for yourself? Here’s a guide to some locations in Metro Manila that are off-limits to vehicular traffic during weekends.
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1) Roxas Boulevard, Manila City
A portion of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Avenue to Quirino Avenue has been declared car-free every Sunday from 5am to 9am. The car-free program along Roxas Boulevard was launched in May 2024 under the ‘Move Manila Car-Free Sundays By the Bay’ Ordinance No. 9047, which was signed into law by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan.
The 2.3-kilometer stretch of the boulevard has two lanes for cyclists and one lane for joggers. Apart from the health benefits, the local government of Manila hopes the initiative will reduce air pollution along Roxas Boulevard. Cars can still make use of the alternate routes for motorists along Roxas Boulevard during the car-free Sundays.
According to a report from BusinessWorld, Manila is studying the possibility of extending its car-free initiative to the Pasig River Esplanade and the Binondo District so more people can appreciate the beauty of historical buildings in Binondo and Escolta. This would be a great boost to local tourism and we hope this pushes through.
2) General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila City
Local and international tourists can now enjoy a car-free street in Intramuros every day of the week and not just on weekends. General Luna, the main thoroughfare inside Intramuros, which connects Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, the San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been fully pedestrianized.
The Department of Transportation (DoTR) recently inaugurated a 9.35-kilometer-long bike lane and walkway network in the area, complete with accessibility ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Intramuros also hosts Mercadillo, a bazaar and food fair along General Luna Street from 9am to 9pm on weekends.
In a report by ABS CBN News, Intramuros administrator Atty. Joan Padilla said they are considering a built-in transport hub and possibly making the whole of Intramuros completely car-free amid the public clamor. However, they plan to take ‘baby steps’ first with car-free Sundays or car-free weekends similar to other areas in Manila and Makati, and not the entire Walled City for now.
3) Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Makati launched its car-free scheme on Ayala Avenue in September 2023 in a bid to promote a cleaner and greener city. On Sundays, Ayala Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic from 6am to 10am., which Makatizens have been enjoying. Residents of the area have been able to let their kids bike safely or stroll around with pets more easily on the normally busy street.
The traffic-free area covers a 2.3-kilometer stretch of Ayala Avenue from Salcedo-HV Dela Costa until West Street and Fonda Street, both westbound and eastbound. Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in the Ayala Triangle Gardens are also closed for fitness activities, making the streets a playground for cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and health buffs, as well as for yoga classes and other fun activities.
4) Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City
Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City launched its car-free scheme on Sunday mornings last December 2023. The stretch of Mayflower Street from United Street to Soho Central is closed to vehicular traffic from 6am to 10am on Sundays. This covers the stretch along The Hub, which includes the area of Greenfield District Central Park.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk, cycling, pet walking, and roller skating in Greenfield. There’s also Greenfield District’s central park, where residents and visitors come together to relax, socialize, and connect over weekend events.
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5) Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
The entire Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City has been car-free since February 2021. The area, dubbed ‘My Street High Street’ has been open for walking, running, and playing freely on weekends.
The car-free window is from 11am to 9pm every Saturday and Sunday. The area provides the public with a safe space to bike, dine, and enjoy a traffic-free stroll. Besides exercising, everyone can enjoy al-fresco restaurants and fairs. The initiative makes it easier for everyone to dine and shop on the ground safely without worrying about vehicular traffic. Bike and e-scooter rental stations from Moovr are available throughout BGC.
BGC Greenway Park, a 1.6km public space, is another completely car-free area in Bonifacio Global City. This longest linear urban park in the metro is specifically designed for residents to be able to walk, run, and enjoy the outdoors safely.
6) Spectrum Midway, Filinvest, Muntinlupa
Those based in the south can enjoy car-free Sunday mornings from 5am to 10am at the Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City in Muntinlupa. Filinvest City implemented the car-free project in 2021 to provide hassle-free exercise and fun recreational activities for residents of their community.
While you’re in the area, you can check out Filinvest City’s Central Park and Great Lawn, open for public use. You can also find bike and e-scooter rental stations and various foods and drinks sold during weekend events. Park-goers can enjoy other amenities for recreation and fitness, including a playground and outdoor exercise equipment.
7) People’s Streets, Pasig City
Pasig City launched its People’s Street project in 2021, initially designating Emerald Avenue as a car-free zone from 6am on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. Half a year after the project was launched, the local government created even more People’s Streets. Pasig City currently has eight People’s Streets that are closed to traffic on Sundays which become outdoor spaces for exercise, play, or relaxation.
List of People’s Streets in Pasig City
- Emerald Avenue in Barangay San Antonio (Saturday, 6am to Sunday, 6pm)
- East Bank Road in Barangay Manggahan (Sunday, 6am to 6pm)
- Caruncho Avenue in Barangay San Nicolas (Sunday, 6am to 6pm)
- Kapasigan Boulevard in Barangay Kapasigan (Sunday, 6am to 6pm)
- MH Del Pilar in Barangay Sto. Tomas (Sunday, 6am to 12pm)
- Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Sumilang (Sunday, 6am to 6pm)
- Oranbo Drive in Barangay Oranbo (Sunday, 6am to 6pm)
- Kamagong Street in Barangay Bagong Ilog (Sunday, 6am to 12pm)
8) UP Diliman, Quezon City
For decades, the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City has been the go-to place for residents to run, jog, and play freely. The Academic Oval is closed to motorized traffic every Sunday, making it the perfect place to jog, walk, or bike. Families can enjoy picnics at the Sunken Garden and surrounding areas.
In case you missed the news, ublic consultations are also ongoing to turn a portion of Tomas Morato in Quezon City car-free on Sundays as well. Based on the proposed ordinance 242 series of 2023, motor vehicles will be prohibited from traversing or parking along the “restaurant row” of Tomas Morato Avenue, until Mother Ignacia Avenue to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, every Sunday, from 12am to 11:59pm. While this proposal has not yet been finalized, we’re definitely looking forward to it!
What other streets around Metro Manila should be turned car-free? Let us know in the comments section.
