What a beautiful Sunday morning! The sun’s gentle shine from the sky gives a warm presence. Riding through Ayala Avenue is usually a place of bustling cars and honking horns. Not today for it’s eerily quiet. That’s because it’s Makati’s Car-Free Sunday! Every Sunday, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas Boulevard become havens. They transform into spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
A truly unique sight. Seeing families stroll hand-in-hand, kids playing and biking without the fear of speeding vehicles. There are even groups of friends enjoying the leisure bike rides. It’s a reminder that the streets are spaces built for people, not for cars. This was created by Makati City and Ayala Land as a commitment. Their goal is to promote public safety and a more cycling-friendly environment.
Interestingly, there’s a story behind the Car-Free Sunday. It all started when a group of cycling enthusiasts rallied to the Ayala Triangle early last year. A protest on the removal of safety barriers that had been put in place during the pandemic. Removing these barriers meant more car traffic, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The authorities were surprised by the strong reaction. They quickly restored the barriers but half of its original width.
While the barriers are back, the city’s streets still heavily favored cars. Which is leading to more congestion. Makati is trying hard with their Car-Free Sunday. Makati truly seems to be putting its money where its mouth is (hopefully). Most of Ayala Avenue and the CBD are almost entirely car-free for these few precious hours.
Today, Ayala Avenue is a vibrant place for meaningful activities. A place to reconnect with loved ones, unwind, and simply enjoy being outdoors. A perfect way to start your week. A calm day before the stressful Monday morning. So, if you’re in Makati on a Sunday, don’t miss out on this unique experience. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst the city’s concrete jungle.
