Pedestrianization plans are in progress, but citizens are questioning whether it’s the right time.
What is walking along the streets of Cebu City like for you?
Would you call it comfortable and safe?
Would you ever consider replacing commuting with walking all the way to your destination?
This year, the Cebu City government unveiled plans for the pedestrianization of the city through the improvement of its infrastructure and environmental elements to make it more walkable.
According to a Sunstar Cebu article, the project includes widening sidewalks, reducing road space for vehicles, and adding electric trike routes to promote pedestrian traffic. (2024)
Another article from CDN Digital states that this would revitalize local businesses, enhance pedestrian access to heritage sites, and mitigate urban heat through increased tree planting. (2024)
However, the aforementioned project has reached a fork in the road, with many voicing concerns about Cebu’s walkability because of public safety and other natural factors.
So this begs the question: Should the Cebu City government focus on pedestrianization right now?
WHAT PEDESTRIANIZATION IS AND HOW CEBU WILL USE IT
Pedestrianization is defined as the restriction or lessening of vehicles on specific streets and public areas to make them solely for pedestrians.
A 2008 study added that this can bring a myriad of benefits, mainly by improving public safety and increasing mobility. It also benefits the environment by lessening air and noise pollution.
Pedestrianization allows for a more pleasant environment for different activities. This also makes leisurely walks comfortable and enjoyable, encouraging commuters to minimize the use of private vehicles or public transportation.
Many developing countries have created their own systems. Italy is a good example, with their “Zona Traffico Limitato” or “Limited Traffic Zones” that were implemented to eliminate traffic.
In Cebu, pedestrianization will be used for the proposed “Heritage Loop”, which will span several parts of downtown Cebu.
The loop connects Colon Street to the proposed ramp from Barangay Ermita-Cebu Cordova Link Expressway, the Carbon Public Market, and the City Hall Plaza.
This will also integrate the “Link to Port” feature of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), which connects Plaza Independencia to P. Del Rosario Street.
The primary goal of the Heritage Loop is to preserve heritage sites like the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the Magellan’s Cross, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and more by creating comfortable walking conditions.
This includes extended sidewalks, strips of soil for trees, bike lanes, and a spacious central pedestrian lane. The “Link to Port” road will also have two lanes facing both directions for motor vehicles.
There are obvious advantages for pedestrianization in the downtown areas, but why are people so concerned about it?
- Unpredictable weather conditions
One of the biggest concerns is how pedestrianization deals with the unpredictable weather in the Philippines. Summertime can be scorching hot, which could lead to discomfort, or worse, heat stroke.
On the other hand, the rainy season can mean frequent flooding, especially in flood prone areas like Colon.
- Crimes
Many citizens have also voiced worries about their safety around the city because of rampant petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft, and robbery.
Although the local police department mentioned that crime has lessened as of May 2024, many still fear for their safety and wellbeing while walking the city’s streets and alleyways. (2024)
- Possible road closures
The Cebu City Transportation Office also voiced concerns since constructing the Heritage Loop will require road closures. This may not be the best time for it, especially because of the ongoing construction of the BRT terminals.
Sudden road rerouting can make it challenging for motorists, especially since most people are still reliant on cars and public transportation these days.
- Losing Colon’s business district
Pedestrianization could also affect Cebu’s history, as pointed out by Councilor Joy Pesquera, who believes lessening vehicular traffic will directly affect various businesses.
Previous administrations implemented Colon’s two-way driving scheme and additional jeepney routes to offer convenience for passengers. These public transport routes are essential to local businesses gaining customers on a regular basis.
WHAT CAN THE CITY GOVERNMENT DO?
The government may need to find a better framework or blueprint for this project. Maybe they can take inspiration from other similar schemes.
For instance, Cebu Business Park and IT Park both have a pedestrianization program with their “Car-Free Sundays” initiative, wherein specific roads are closed off to vehicles, allowing people to walk, run, and bike.
While this initiative is more for promoting healthier lifestyles, the government can apply the same strategy to promote tourism activities in the city.
Aside from that, there are several things they can add to the Heritage Loop to address people’s concerns. One would be the implementation of sun barriers to provide shade from the heat and shelter from the rain.
They may also need to go over the downtown area’s drainage system to address potential flooding in the area.
Lastly, they should consider putting up security personnel around the area to monitor any suspicious behavior, as well as security cameras to record any criminal activity.
This may mean that the project will take a while to be fully implemented, but judging from the concerns mentioned, it could be for the better.
****
It’s easy to get caught up in the benefits this project has to offer, but it’s understandable why so many are concerned about the pedestrianization of the city.
If implemented the right way, the Heritage Loop could improve many aspects and things to do in downtown Cebu.
REFERENCES:
Padronia, Earl Kim. 2024. “Joy: Be careful with planning of downtown pedestrianization.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/joy-be-careful-with-planning-of-downtown-pedestrianization.
Piquero, Pia. 2024. “Cebu City plans downtown pedestrianization with trees, walking paths starting year-end.” CDN Digital.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581322/cebu-city-plans-downtown-pedestrianization-with-trees-walking-paths-starting-year-end.
Iranmanesh, Nasim. 2008. “Pedestrianization a great necessity in urban designing to create a sustainable city in developing countries.” 44th ISOCARP Congress 2008.
https://www.isocarp.net/data/case_studies/1130.pdf.
Ares, Emmariel. 2024. “Cebu City crime rate dropped by over 83% in 1stquarter of 2024 — CCPO.” CDN Digital.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/573582/cebu-city-crime-rate-dropped-by-over-83-in-1stquarter-of-2024-ccpo.
