Jheny Dabu
In commemorating World Car-Free Day, we continue to highlight the importance of community-centered spaces and recognize existing urban centers such as Quezon City, Marikina, and Pasig for championing car-free weekends and people-friendly streets.
Even just one day without cars in Metro Manila can make a big difference. It helps improve air quality and public health while creating safer spaces, especially for young and older people, encouraging them to embrace active mobility.
On September 6, 2025, 350 Pilipinas, in partnership with LEV distributors Popcycle and Exion Cycles, held “Pedal Assist,” an e-bike learning session for the public at Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Central Business District. The event highlighted both active and electric mobility as sustainable, low-carbon modes of transportation. To spark discussions on the practical adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in urban settings, the activity also featured the #ChargingOurFuture EV Documentation Series, which showcased stories from individuals, LEV distributors, a charging station company, and the Quezon City local government on how EVs have impacted their lives and communities. Through this initiative, we aim to explore the broader potential of fleet electrification—ensuring that energy sources come from renewables, improving working conditions for transport workers, and providing a humane, people-centered transportation option.
Ultimately, these efforts contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.
We continue to recognize the ongoing initiatives of local government units (LGUs), and we hope that more LGUs will replicate and implement car-free days in their respective cities. For example, the People’s Streets initiative in Pasig City has created more public green spaces where children and older people can enjoy outdoor activities. This program aims to return the streets to the people. To date, the Pasig City Transport and Development Management Office (CTDMO) has opened seven (7) People’s Streets.
As part of our continued advocacy to improve air quality, 350 Pilipinas recently conducted the third installment of the “Life in a Bubble” performance during Marikina’s Car-Free Sunday. Climate and mobility advocates from 350 Pilipinas, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and Happy Pedal Project—together with artists Duane David and Tin Andales, with support from the Marikina City Government—led a creative action calling for updated air quality standards.
This year, Quezon City inaugurated its first Car-Free, Carefree Program along Tomas Morato. As part of the launch, advocates organized a bike ride from Ayala Car-Free to Tomas Morato, marking the beginning of a series of car-free events. In addition, Quezon City has opened these spaces for physical activity sessions, offering fun activities for all ages and featuring street art activities with children’s participation.
Initiatives centered on community activities and welfare foster positive outcomes, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities. Advocating for sustainable cities requires continuous support from local government units to strengthen and institutionalize Car-Free Sundays, as well as other tactical urbanism efforts.
Learn-to-bike sessions are also continuously being organized in our cities. Tomorrow, September 28, the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (QC DPOS) will hold bike lessons, bike maintenance workshops, and road safety sessions at the Tomas Morato Car-Free, Carefree Sunday.
You may visit the following car-free days during the weekend:
- Quezon City – Every Sunday, 5:00–10:00 a.m. at Tomas Morato
- Marikina City – Every Sunday, 6:00–10:00 a.m. along Gil Fernando Avenue
- Pasig City – 6:00 a.m. Saturday to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Emerald Avenue
- Manila – Every Sunday, 5:00–9:00 a.m. along Roxas Boulevard
- Makati – Every Sunday, 6:00–10:00 a.m. at Ayala Avenue
Other local government units adopting car-free programs include Davao, Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Baguio City.
Watch the #ChargingOurFuture