PSA: These Metro Manila Roads Are Car-Free On Weekends
Enjoy the road without fear of cars.
(SPOT.ph) Stuck in Metro Manila but missing the great outdoors? If you're looking to enjoy green spaces and car-free havens without leaving the urban jungle, you're in luck: Some roads in the National Capital Region turn car-less during the weekends so that pedestrians—not vehicles—can take over the roads.
From Pasig to Muntinlupa, these car-free roads are open for pedestrians to do whatever they want: jog, run, walk the dog, or ride a bike without the fear of running into motor vehicles. It’s healthy for the planet, too!
Also read: 10 Spots in Metro Manila That Are Actually Pedestrian-Friendly
Take a stroll in these car-free roads in Metro Manila
Makati City
No walkable city list is complete without Makati on it. Makati City isn’t just pedestrian-friendly—It also encourages people to drop by the open roads with a handful of activities, too.
Paseo de Roxas has been car-free every weekend since 2016 to host #MakatiStreetMeet, where people gather for food, fun, and entertainment. The list of food and drink merchants are constantly changing, so there's always something new to try.
Ayala Avenue has recently been added to the list. It will be specifically blocked from Courtyard Drive to HV Dela Costa/Salcedo Street on the Sunday mornings of September 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Both the west-bound and east-bound lanes will be closed to traffic.
You can also find the Fitness Loop at the borders of Ayala Triangle Gardens, which is a pedestrianized lane along Paseo de Roxas, Ayala Avenue, and Makati Avenue. It’s open every weekend from 7 a.m. on Saturday until 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Pasig City
Like most cities in Metro Manila, Pasig is often cramped with cars. People’s Street project is hoping to provide pedestrians a respite from that, one road at a time.
The People’s Street project started in 2021 with the help of Pasig City Transport Development and Management Office, allowing pedestrians and bikers to maximize the roads without having to worry about cars in the way.
Pasig City has not one, not two, but eight People’s Streets so far:
- Emerald Avenue in Barangay San Antonio (Saturday, 6 a.m. to Sunday, 6 p.m.)
- East Bank Road in Barangay Manggahan (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Caruncho Avenue in Barangay San Nicolas (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Kapasigan Boulevard in Barangay Kapasigan (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- MH Del Pilar in Barangay Sto. Tomas (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Sumilang (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Oranbo Drive in Barangay Oranbo (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Kamagong Street in Barangay Bagong Ilog (Sunday, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Take note that parking is also prohibited in those places.
Also read: Pasig City Requires Proper Parking Spaces for Bikes at Private Establishments
Filinvest City
Walkable parks abound in Filinvest City, but what many might not be aware of is that there is a dedicated lane in Spectrum Linear Park for light mobility vehicles to use the open road.
A portion of Spectrum Midway are closed to cars from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Sunday since 2021, with Eats by the Park food bazaar open for those who want some munchies while relaxing under the shade of the trees.
It’s also worth noting that Filinvest City is the only central business district with multiple green certifications. Bike and e-scooter rentals from Moovr are also available to use in this car-free road.
Bonifacio Global City
Most people know to head to High Street for peak walkability in Bonifacio Global City. For years now, Fifth Avenue has been claimed by pedestrians.
Fifth Avenue is free from cars every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. to hold #MyStreetHighStreet weekend fairs. Food, finds, and fresh air await you. Don’t worry about the crowd in this picture—there’s more than enough road space to walk, bike, and skate in Fifth Avenue!
Also read: A Reimagined Metro Manila Through the Eyes of Urban Planners