- Coastal road closed off to traffic for four hours starting Nov. 30
A PORTION of Davao City Coastal is declared no-entry to vehicles from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. to enforce a “car-free Sunday” beginning Nov. 30, 2024.
Councilor Conrado Baluran, the ordinance proponent and chair of the transportation and communications committee, said the stretch would cover from crossing Bago Aplaya to crossing Tulip Drive.
The ordinance was passed under suspended rules during the 20th City Council’s regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 12. He said the ordinance was their response to the call of Michael Denton P. Aportadera, OIC, Davao City Sports Development Division, for a physical fitness program.
Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), which actively pushed for a similar ordinance, commended lawmakers for the measure.
“IDIS has actively promoted this ‘Car-Free Ordinance’ to encourage healthier urban spaces that prioritize physical activity and community interaction,” it said.
EnP Lemuel Manalo, IDIS program coordinator, stressed the initiative fosters a “culture of health and mobility” by creating a dedicated space for jogging, cycling, and pet walking, without vehicle interference.
The initiative also aligns with similar initiatives by other local government units like Makati City and Baguio City. Both cities have implemented car-free days to further sustainable urban living.
The ordinance was drafted pre-pandemic but went through refinement to harmonize with the forthcoming High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
In July earlier this year, the discussions for the proposed ordinance reopened following the results of the Citizens Walkability Study, an assessment of prominent streets in the city and the experiences and comfort levels of streets from the citizens’ perspective.
The Car-Free Day Ordinance is seen to improve the walkability and active mobility of Davaoeños as the survey showed that only 7.4% of pedestrians (from 22 citizen scientists) were satisfied with walking the city streets.
Traffic advisories, signage along the route, and designated U-turn slots and parking areas are set to ensure smooth implementation of the ordinance. Finally, traffic enforcers will monitor the area following a massive information drive for motorists.
