Marikina launches car-free Sundays to promote healthy lifestyle

FILE PHOTO: Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro. Photo from Marikina PIO Facebook

MANILA, Philippines – Marikina City on Sunday launched its car-free program to promote an active and healthier lifestyle among residents.

The program seeks to turn the portion of Gil Fernando Avenue from the corner of Guerilla Street (Xeland Marikina) to Comedor Restaurant into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly space from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Sunday.

During that period, residents are encouraged to engage in outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, Zumba, and other recreational exercises along the 700-meter stretch.

“Ito ay isang hakbang upang bigyan ang ating mga residente ng ligtas at malinis na espasyo para makapaglakad, makapag-bike at makapag-bonding kasama ang kanilang pamilya at mga kaibigan (This is part of our efforts to give residents a safe and clean space to stroll, ride their bikes, and bond with their families and friends),” Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said during the launch of the program dubbed “Marikina Together: Car-Free Sundays.”

“Gusto nating ipakita na may puwang sa ating lungsod para sa mas aktibong pamumuhay (We want to show that there is space in our city for [an] active lifestyle),” he added.

Teodoro also highlighted the environmental benefits of reducing vehicle emissions, even for just a few hours every Sunday.

“Bukod sa kalusugan, malaking tulong ito sa ating kalikasan. Ang pagbawas ng sasakyan sa kalsada ay nangangahulugan ng mas malinis na hangin at mas tahimik na kapaligiran (Aside from health benefits, this program will also be good to the environment. Reducing vehicles on streets will result in clean air and less noise),” he said.

READ: How car-free zones are giving our cities a makeover

Manila, Makati, and Quezon cities also have their car-free Sundays initiatives.