Are you looking for new areas to bike, jog, or stroll in the metro during weekends? As urban dwellers, we could all use more open spaces to unwind, and it's great to see more Car-Free Sunday initiatives around Metro Manila these days. While nothing beats actual green spaces and natural parks, closing off streets can help make cities more livable by promoting sustainable transportation, reducing pollution, and creating more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces within communities.
Last year, Top Gear Philippines rounded up most of the car-free streets in Metro Manila on weekends, including Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Ayala Avenue in Makati, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong, BGC’s 5th Avenue in Taguig, Spectrum Midway in Filinvest Alabang in Muntinlupa and various People’s Streets in Pasig, to name a few.
We’ve seen a few more cities join the movement since that guide was released, so we thought it was time for an update. Here’s a guide to newly launched car-free streets and other pedestrian corridors where you can stay active in and near the metro.
1) Gil Fernando, Marikina
Marikina City is the latest city to join the Car-Free Sunday movement. A 700m stretch of Gil Fernando Avenue from the corner of Guerilla Street (Xeland Marikina) to Comedor Restaurant next to Goodfriend Bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays from 6:00am to 10:00am.
The grand launch of “Marikina Together: Car-Free Sundays,” held last March 2, 2025, saw residents and pedestrians enjoying the open space with Zumba sessions, bike activities, mural activities, food stalls, and more. The event coincided with the unveiling of a cultural mural along Bayan-Bayanan Access Road, which showcases the city’s commitment to sustainability, community, and culture.
It’s worth noting that even before all the car-free initiatives were launched in other cities, Marikina had been one of the most progressive cities in promoting active mobility. They previously established 52km of interconnected bike lanes and continue to encourage residents to walk or bike to school and work.
2) Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Quezon City launched its “Car-Free, Carefree Tomas Morato Sundays” late last year, giving residents and visitors a safe, open space to walk, bike, and enjoy recreational activities. The road closure covers an 800m stretch of Tomas Morato Avenue from Timog Avenue to Don Alejandro Roces Avenue.
While initially planned only for the first Sunday of the month during its soft launch on December 8, 2024, it now takes place twice a month. You can bike, jog, and stroll safely and enjoy outdoor activities in Tomas Morato every other Sunday from 6:00am to 10:00am.
Cyclists might also want to check out the Green Open Reclaimed Access (GORA) Lane, a 5.39km pedestrian corridor that passes through Dona Hemady Ave., Scout Tobias, and Mother Ignacia. These alternative roads offer a less congested route compared to major thoroughfares.
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3) Araneta City, Quezon City
Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City, launched its own car-free Sunday initiative “aRUNeta Run Club,” last September 2024. Every Sunday, a 1.5km portion of the streets surrounding the Araneta Coliseum becomes an open public space from 5:00am to 9:00am for pedestrians to walk, run, jog, cycle, and hold Zumba sessions.
The coverage area every Sunday morning includes Gen. Romulo Ave., Gen. Roxas Ave., Gen. Araneta Ave., Gen. McArthur Ave., Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., and Times Square Ave. These are the major streets surrounding Araneta Coliseum, Fiesta Carnival, and Manhattan Plaza.
4) Villar Avenue, Villar City
What about the Southies? Starting November 2024, a portion of Villar Avenue in Villar City has been closed for car-free Sundays to provide a safe space for the community to freely run, walk, bike, exercise, and bring their furbabies for a stroll.
The three-kilometer segment from Daang Hari Road to Amore Avenue (Vista Avenue) along the route connecting Alabang and Las Pinas, Bacoor, and Dasmariñas in Cavite is closed for car-free Sundays from 5:00am to 10:00am. Additionally, a 2.2km mountain biking trail adjacent to the closed segment was launched in February 2025.
As an alternate route, vehicles going to MCX and Daang Hari via Villar Avenue coming from Molino Paliparan Road/Dasmarinas may take Amore Avenue and Daang Reyna. Meanwhile, vehicles going to Molino Paliparan Rd./Dasmarinas via Villar Avenue coming from MCX may take Daang Reyna Road and Amore Avenue.
5) Valenzuela Boardwalk, Valenzuela
Back in 2022, Valenzuela transformed the busy thoroughfare of Fatima Avenue into an exclusive pedestrian-friendly space in an attempt to give streets back to the people—not just on Sundays but every day. Since its launch, the public space that features picnic tables and modern light posts has become a popular food trip haven.
Another great initiative that goes beyond car-free Sundays is the Valenzuela Boardwalk, launched in September 2024. This 1.3km long and four-meter wide flood wall and linear park crosses the barangays of Coloong, Tagalag, and Wawang Pulo. Residents and visitors are free to walk, run, bike, and enjoy the recreational area from 5:00am to 10:00pm daily.
6) Pasig River Esplanade, Manila
In case you haven’t visited Intramuros lately, you’ll want to experience the Pasig River Esplanade, in Manila, especially with Phase 3 opened to the public last February 27, 2025. This fully pedestrianized 1.3km long riverside corridor that spans Fort Santiago, Maestranza, Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, leading to Jones Bridge and the Manila Central Post Office, offers a scenic open space for heritage strolls, relaxation, and food trips in the middle of the busy city. The area currently open to the public is just the start of the planned 25km Pasig River Development Project
The Pasig River Esplanade is open 24 hours daily, though it’s best experienced in the early morning and towards sunset and evening when it’s not so hot. The street lamps and bridge lights are usually turned on from 6:00pm until 10:00pm
Where else would you like to see car-free streets and pedestrianized zones? Let us know in the comments section.
