Equal to the lack of an adequate and convenient public transport that we are trying to address with all the current programs being undertaken, are the vanishing spaces where people can walk or bike. These last mile, “walkable” corridors, in most cases had been taken over by encroaching establishments, illegal vendors and even legitimate road widening and utility pole placements. Except if you live in those exclusive villages and in the upscale business districts, people almost always walk and bike on the same road where you have the motorized transport to include the tricycles that lord it over in the inner city streets.
In the normal scheme of things, pedestrian and cyclists are at the top of the hierarchy of urban mobility. A pedestrian-centered community would be more sustainable equating to lesser traffic congestion, and a safer and healthier environment. We see this in many urban cities outside the Philippines, even those in the region, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul. But here in our country, pedestrians, as well as cyclists, are a neglected lot. Not only do we lack adequate walkable spaces; but let’s admit it, our automobile society simply do not give the same respect that pedestrians and cyclists enjoy in other countries. Most road victims in Metro Manila, aside from motorcycle riders, are pedestrians and cyclists. Try crossing our roads, even on legit pedestrian lanes and you will see cars not just passing you by but some trying to beat you on the crossing.
One cannot, however, take pedestrian power lightly. In one pedestrian footbridge crossing the south expressway, the average foot traffic is more than 100,000. Even in congested Edsa, you may not realize it, but there are a lot of people walking from Makati to Ortigas. Why not? Except for the pollution they need to bear with, they end up arriving faster than their motorized counterparts.
That is why it is heartwarming to know that efforts are under way to build walkable areas connected to the main motor/rail corridors, specifically Edsa. There is at present a $100-million loan package being worked out with the Asian Development Bank to provide ample walkable lanes in several pedestrian congested areas along Edsa. The so-called Edsa Greenways is envisioned to connect wide and elevated pedestrian walkways to existing rail lines on Taft Avenue, Cubao, Guadalupe and Balintawak. ADB commits to the completion of these projects by the end of 2020.
But our cities can do more. The move by the Department of Local Governments and cities nationwide earlier this year was a good first step. As directed by the President, roads were successfully cleared of illegal structures. The next logical step is protecting those walkways, make sure they stay cleared and make them more walkable or convenient for the pedestrians.
I remember one time when I was still with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, we traced a viable network of walkways that would connect its 17 local government units. These were mostly along riverbanks and government properties. Imagine biking or walking all the way from Quezon City to Parañaque, unhampered, without the danger posed by cars and trucks. Last time I checked, this project can still be pursued because much of the unutilized space remains, with most of them converted to parking lots.
The private sector can also jumpstart the push to pedestrian mobility with private buildings, and other establishments simply allowing elevated walkway access to adjacent buildings. Our big mall owners and land developers who have even gotten one notch ahead by developing townships with adequate pedestrian spaces, can initiate their mall connectivity to intermodal transport zones by building elevated walkways without cost to the government. Besides this would guarantee foot traffic to their establishments.
Walkable cities are progressive and sustainable cities, with a happier and fulfilled citizenry. It is heartwarming to see pocket areas of successes in several of our cities. And with the sustained government push and private-sector initiative, a walkable and breathable Metro Manila can happen sooner than we realize.
Thomas “Tim” Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu