More carless, public spaces: Pasig City adds four more 'People's Street' roads
Pasig City is expanding its Sunday public spaces initiative by naming four more roads in the city as a 'People's Street.'
On Independence Day, June 12, the roads of Barangay Manggahan's East Bank Road, Barangay San Nicolas' Caruncho Avenue, Barangay Sto. Tomas' MH del Pilar St., and Barangay Sumilang's Lopez Jaena St began restricting access for vehicles to turn the areas into a free-for-all space for nearby residents.
The initiative will run every Sunday, starting from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The initiative began in the busy business district of Ortigas' Emerald Avenue. Free from its loud and busy wide road on the weekdays, the strip becomes a lively public space open exclusively for pedestrians, bicycles, and other light personal mobility devices.
Since its reopening in November of 2021, people have been seen walking their dogs, jogging, practicing Zumba, and even taking free biking lessons.
"People's Street Carless Day is a perfect time for you to chill out and bond with your friends and family members. You can bike, run, skate, walk, exercise, and eat with your friends and family, along the street that is usually filled with cars," wrote Pasig counselor Quin Cruz on Facebook along with photos of the Independence Day event.
Meanwhile, Emerald Avenue also brought back its popular free biking lessons for the community last June 12.
Comprised of volunteer bicycle enthusiasts, the limited offering usually gathers large crowds and welcomes willing students of all ages.