The streets of Pasig truly are for the people as the City Transport Development and Management Office (CTDMO) named five roads that will be closed to vehicular traffic on certain times during the weekend starting on Sunday, June 12, coinciding with the nationwide celebration of Independence Day.
The People's Street initiative seeks to reclaim roads as open, free spaces for public recreational use where adults are free to conduct leisure activities and children can play in environments that are safe from possible vehicular accidents.
They serve as supplements to the other green spaces that the city is cultivating, which have been sought out to alleviate the stress brought by the isolation and public restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as contribute to the environmental and sustainable efforts of the city.
Every Sunday, the following roads will be "car-less" from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- East Bank Road (Manggahan Barangay Hall to Alfonso Street) in Barangay Manggahan
- Caruncho Avenue Westbound (Sped Linear Park to MH Del Pilar St.) in Barangay San Nicolas
- Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Sumilang, which was first declared a People's Street last May 22.
MH Del Pilar (from San Nicolas Barangay Hall to Elpidio Angeles Street) in Barangay Sto. Tomas will be a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly area every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Emerald Avenue in Barangay San Antonio is unpassable to vehicular activity from Saturday, 6 a.m. to Sunday, 9 p.m.
During the weekend, the Emerald Avenue houses bazaars and food stalls, and serves as a venue for zumba sessions.
The Pasig CTDMO also offers free bicycle lessons at Emerald Avenue. On Sunday, June 12, the lessons may be availed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in partnership with Bicycle Friendly Philippines and the Pinay Bike Commuter Community.
Residents or non-residents who will occupy the areas are still mandated to follow the minimum health and safety protocols like wearing face masks, and observing social distancing.
The Pasig CTDMO advised road users to plan and take alternative routes during these days.