The Manila City Council (MCC) passed a city ordinance that will ban all types of motorized vehicles on the north and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard every Sunday starting May 5.
Under the ordinance, the ban implementation will start from 5am to 9am along Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Avenue to Quirino Avenue.
During MCC's 130th Regular Session, Sixth District Councilor Salvador Philip Lacuna who filed the ordinance, pointed out the importance of having a fit and healthy lifestyle.
He recalled his childhood when he used to cycle along Roxas Boulevard while enjoying the majestic view of the famous Manila Bay Sunset.
Lacuna said the ordinance will not only be a big boost to the city’s environmental protection program, but it will also help the community to be fit and healthy.
"The ordinance was practically patterned after the “car-free or carless days” in certain metropolitan cities such as Paris, New York, Vancouver etc. It was also tried in nearby cities such as Makati and Pasig," MCC noted.
World Car-Free Day is celebrated every 22nd of September, where motorists are encouraged to give up their cars for a day and use other means of moving around such as jogging, walking and cycling.
The celebration also coincides with the observance of Mobility Week in Europe.
"The filed draft ordinance was encouraged and supported by the members of the council. All of them are looking forward to experiencing a car-free Sunday in the City of Manila. This is also a way of letting people enjoy the natural beauty of the city, particularly the view of Manila Bay," MCC added.