For cities to truly thrive, they need more than just efficient road networks. They need to prioritize people, fostering environments where walking isn’t just a necessity, but a desirable and enriching experience. From global metropolises to local communities, the movement toward pedestrian-friendly urban design is gaining momentum, driven by the desire for safer streets, improved air quality, increased physical activity, and thriving social and commercial hubs.
What makes a city walkable?
Urbanist Jeff Speck argues that to entice people to walk in car-centric environments, the walking experience must rival or surpass the convenience of driving. Speck’s theory of walkability emphasizes four key elements:
• A reason to walk – destinations and attractions that draw people out of their cars.
• Safety and security – pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, well-lit streets, and low crime rates.
• Comfort – protection from the elements, comfortable sidewalks, and accessible amenities.
• Interest – engaging streetscapes with diverse architecture, vibrant storefronts, and public art.
These principles align with the tenets of New Urbanism, which champions walkability, connectivity, mixed-use development, diverse housing options, quality urban design, traditional neighborhood structures, increased density, smart transportation, sustainability, and overall quality of life.
Global examples of walkability
Cities around the world are embracing pedestrianization to enhance urban life:
• Shanghai, China: The Bund (also called Waitan), a signature waterfront area, underwent a massive retrofitting project that reduced vehicle traffic by 70% by removing seven lanes from the once 11-lane highway. The space was repurposed for crosswalks while the open spaces along the river and the sightseeing deck were expanded.
• Istanbul, Turkey: By launching pedestrianization projects, particularly in the Historic Peninsula (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality significantly improved air quality, leading to the pedestrianization of 295 streets. Its walkability is characterized by bazaars, narrow alleyways, and the Bosphorus waterfront.
• Suwon, South Korea: In the Haenggung-dong neighborhood, an experiment removing 1500 cars revealed the transformative potential of car-free spaces, leading to new policies promoting bike lanes, reduced speed limits, and improved public transportation.
• Reykjavik, Iceland: The city’s mural-covered streets and beautiful architecture make it a fabulous walking experience, and its eco-friendly initiatives contributing to its excellent air quality.
• Budapest, Hungary: The city’s grand boulevards and thermal baths make it a walkable city, and attractions like the Buda Castle and Hungarian Parliament Building are relatively close by. Investor website Insider Monkey says: “Budapest has public transport systems like trams and metros in place, which make the commute easier,” adding to the city’s appeal.
• Oslo, Norway: Oslo is considered a very walkable city, thanks to its compact size, dedicated pedestrian zones in the city center, a focus on reducing car traffic through initiatives like the “Car-Free Livability Program” and well-designed public spaces that prioritize pedestrians over vehicles, allowing for easy access to most amenities within walking distance.
Walkability initiatives in the Philippines
The Philippines is also seeing a growing commitment to walkable urban spaces:
• Quezon City and Pasig City: Their respective local governments continue to make streets more walkable and cyclable by launching new initiatives to enable active mobility. Both cities have partnered with ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) to launch the SPARK – Sparking Active
Mobility Actions for Climate-friendly Cities – Project. Quezon City has been proactive in developing its bike lanes and has implemented car-free zones on weekends for areas like Maginhawa and Tomas Morato. Pasig City, on the other hand, has expanded its “People’s Streets” initiative which sees select roads being closed to vehicular traffic to provide exclusive spaces for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Makati: Makati has become one of the most walkable cities in the Philippines through its efforts to create a “15-minute city” where residents can access essential amenities with a 15-minute walk, bike ride, or commute. Makati has wide pedestrian walkways, underpasses and overpasses with escalators, and urban patios. The city’s Central Business District (CBD) has 2-kilometer elevated walkways, 4-km covered pathways, and several pedestrian underpasses and overpasses. To maintain these pathways, Ayala Land and MACEA collect financing fees from its members, including a development charge for buildings permitted to be denser than initially intended. Makati also holds car-free Sundays on Ayala Avenue.
• Baguio: There are several initiatives for the city to become more pedestrian friendly, including the “Breathe Baguio” program, updated transportation plans, and enforcement of the “King of the Road” ordinance. The “Breathe Baguio” program includes extensive revitalization of parks and green spaces through planting more native trees, creating themed gardens and installing energy-efficient lighting to enhance the city’s visual appeal and environmental sustainability and hopefully reduce congestion. The “King of the Road” ordinance ensures that pedestrians are able to cross safely in designated lanes – as such, drivers are compelled to yield for five seconds when approaching pedestrian lanes.
Beyond these examples, other Philippine cities are making strides in walkability. Once plagued by urban decay, Iloilo City has revitalized its riverfront into a thriving pedestrian space. The Iloilo River Esplanade, a 9-kilometer stretch along the Iloilo River, has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It features wide walkways, landscaping, lighting, and public art, transforming the riverfront into a vibrant hub for recreation and social interaction. This revitalization has not only boosted tourism but also spurred economic activity in the surrounding areas, demonstrating the tangible benefits of prioritizing pedestrian-friendly design.
Further incentivizing the development of walkable and bikeable cities are the Mobility Awards. The Mobility Awards, organized by the Climate Reality Project Philippines, along with various partners, recognize local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate outstanding efforts in promoting sustainable and active transportation. These awards not only celebrate success but also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and inspiring other cities to prioritize walkability and cycling infrastructure. By highlighting innovative solutions and effective policies, the Mobility Awards contribute to a broader movement toward people-centered urban development across the Philippines.
By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly design, cities can create more livable, sustainable, and vibrant environments for all. Embracing walkability is an investment in the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of our communities.
