LIST: 8 Roads that are Car-Free on Weekends in Metro Manila
This is your sign to go outside.
by Ina Louise Manto | September 25, 2024
Want to spend more time outdoors? While it’s not easy to go on an out-of-town trip, city dwellers still have the option to go outdoors on weekends to get started on their fitness journey or go for a leisurely walk. If you don’t want to commit to a gym membership yet, try heading to one of these locations where you can try fitness activities and meet new friends:
Araneta City
Heads up, QC peeps! You can finally enjoy a car-free Sunday around Araneta City’s grounds. On September 19, 2024, Araneta City launched the aRUNeta Run Club, which you can join every Sunday from 5 AM to 9 AM.
The assembly point is at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum, following a 1.5km route going through Gen. McArthur, Gen. Araneta, Gen. Roxas, and Gen. Romulo Avenue. Pets and bikers can enjoy Araneta’s car-free Sundays, too!
People’s Streets, Pasig
People’s Street is an initiative by Pasig’s LGU at CTDMO that was launched in 2021 and started at Emerald Avenue. As of writing, there are now eight People’s Streets in Pasig:
- Emerald Avenue in Barangay San Antonio (Saturday, 6 AM to Sunday, 6 PM)
- Caruncho Avenue in Barangay San Nicolas (Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM)
- East Bank Road in Barangay Manggahan (Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM)
- Kamagong Street in Barangay Bagong Ilog (Sunday, 6 AM to 12 PM)
- Kapasigan Boulevard in Barangay Kapasigan (Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM)
- MH Del Pilar in Barangay Sto. Tomas (Sunday, 6 AM to 12 PM)
- Oranbo Drive in Barangay Oranbo (Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM)
- Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Sumilang (Sunday, 6 AM to 12 PM)
Ayala Avenue, Makati
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Ayala Avenue’s car-free Sundays began as a month-long program in September 2023. Due to its success, it extended to this year and has become one of the biggest car-free weekend spots for pedestrians and cyclists. Every Sunday, the entire 2.3-kilometer avenue from Salceo to HV Dela Costa until West St. & Fonda St. is closed to motorists from 6 AM to 10 AM. The Ayala Triangle Gardens Fitness Loop, a pedestrianized portion of Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, is also included in Makati’s car-free Sundays.
Filinvest City, Muntinlupa
If you’re from the south, we have a car-free spot for you, too. On Sundays, head to the Spectrum Midway at Filinvest City for outdoor activities such as running, walking, and cycling. Launched in 2021, Spectrum Midway becomes car-free from 5 AM to 10 AM.
Roxas Boulevard
In May 2024, Manila City’s LGU signed an ordinance that orders the closure of a portion of the 2.3-kilometer stretch of Roxas Boulevard from 5 AM to 9 AM to promote fitness among its residents. Under the “Move Manila Car-Free Sundays By the Bay,” two lanes of Roxas Boulevard are open for joggers and cyclists.
If you plan to drive by the boulevard on a Sunday, be aware of the road closure and plan alternate routes!
General Luna Street, Intramuros
After enjoying a car-free Sunday morning at Roxas Boulevard, head to Intramuros and stroll around the historic walled city. The entire General Luna Street, one of the major roads in Intramuros, has become permanently car-free – not just on weekends!
In June 2024, the DOTr also inaugurated a 9.35-kilometer bike lane around the area.
Fifth Avenue of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Planning to visit BGC on a weekend? The entire Fifth Avenue of BGC is completely car-free on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 9 PM. Residents and visitors can participate in “My Street High Street,” which doesn’t only promote fitness activities. Here, you can also enjoy al fresco dining and go shopping without the hassle of moving traffic.
UP Diliman, Quezon City
U.P. Diliman’s Academic Oval has been open and car-free on Sundays for decades, making it the go-to place for physical activities in the north.
Greenfield District, Mandaluyong
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In December 2023, Greenfield District launched its car-free Sunday program. Mayflower Street, from United Street to Soho Central, closes to vehicles from 6 AM to 10 AM. This is the street along The Hub, The Portal, and Greenfield District Central Park.
