BACOLOD City – As part of its vision to create a safe, accessible, and sustainable urban environment that prioritizes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, the City Council has passed on first reading a proposed ordinance promoting walkability.
Councilor Em Ang, the proponent of the measure, emphasized that walking remains the simplest, most sustainable, and most affordable form of transportation.
“Recent studies show that humanity walks an average of 200 kilometers (130 miles) per person per year — barely seven minutes per day. We drive seven times as much as we walk. Walkability is still largely associated with leisure and recreation in many urban areas around the world. However, the recognition of walking as a form of sustainable urban mobility is gaining ground,” she said.
Ang added that improving walkability in cities is a powerful way to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
She further noted that walkable cities have been shown to boost local economies, improve public health, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the overall quality of life.
Walkable cities are achieved through planning, designing, and retrofitting urban environments to encourage walking and reduce dependence on motor vehicles. As pedestrians replace cars, emissions decrease. Moreover, making walking easier in cities supports other sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling, e-biking, and mass transit.
Under the proposed ordinance, the city government will allocate funds to develop and maintain public plazas and parks that are accessible, well-maintained, and regularly programmed with community activities.
The measure also calls for the installation of street furniture such as benches, trash bins, and proper lighting along sidewalks and public spaces to improve pedestrian comfort and safety.
To protect pedestrians, the city shall strictly enforce traffic laws, including regular monitoring of speed limits and pedestrian crossings.
Additionally, regular walkability audits will be conducted to assess and identify areas for improvement.
The city will also develop a comprehensive implementation plan to achieve the goals outlined in the ordinance./PN
