Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina Is Car-Free Every Sunday Morning
A win for pedestrians.
(SPOT.ph) One of the most significant thoroughfares in Marikina City is set to implement car-free Sundays starting this weekend, giving pedestrians and cyclists a space to move, exercise, and just enjoy a quieter morning.
Starting March 2, a 700-meter stretch of Gil Fernando Avenue—from Xeland Marikina (corner Guerilla Street) to Comedor Restaurant (corner C. Buenviaje Street)—will be closed to motor vehicles from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Sunday. Both the westbound and eastbound lanes will be closed to traffic.
What to expect at car-free Sundays at Gil Fernando Avenue
According to Tet Curry, Cultural Head of Marikina, the goal of the initiative is “to promote active transport, encourage a healthy lifestyle, foster togetherness of family and community, and to promote tourism.” The space will be used for community activities, including Zumba sessions, jogging, cycling, and a dedicated kiddie zone for young bikers.
A Sunday bazaar might also be introduced later on, but for now, Curry said Marikina will focus on boosting foot traffic for the existing businesses along Gil Fernando Avenue.
“We really want to promote first the restaurants and other establishments along Gil Fernando Avenue. Hopefully, we can organize a Sunday bazaar soon if the launch becomes successful,” Curry told SPOT.ph.
Gil Fernando Avenue hosts a variety of establishments, such as restaurants, malls, and bars, making it a bustling hub in Marikina City. The road is also considered a "Walker's Paradise” with a high walkability score of 96 out of 100, which means daily errands can easily be accomplished on foot.
City officials will monitor its impact on traffic flow, public reception, and business activity. If successful, Curry said car-free Sundays could be expanded with longer hours or to other locations based on community feedback.
This initiative follows the success of several car-free programs across Metro Manila, including Kapasigan Boulevard in Pasig City, Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Ayala Avenue in Makati City, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, Araneta City in Cubao, and Tomas Morato in Quezon City.
Also read: PSA: These Metro Manila Roads Are Car-Free On Weekends
Where to park on car-free Sundays at Gil Fernando Avenue
Motorists need not worry about car-free Sundays as alternate routes and parking spaces are provided.
“Motorists and participants can still use secondary roads to get to the venue or their destinations. We have also identified parking spaces for participants and restaurant-goers who will be bringing their vehicles,” Curry said.
Also read: LIST: Here Are the Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities of 2023