Salcedo goes car-free! What to know about the 'Weekend Shared Street' this August
Ever wished you could stroll through the Makati City on a quiet Sunday morning with a cold brew in hand, without the constant blare of car horns? You’re in luck! Parts of Makati will temporarily be closed or have restricted vehicle access as the local government aims to make select roads become more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly this August.
Beginning Aug. 1, the city will implement its so-called "Weekend Shared Street" in Salcedo Village, which is an initiative that "temporarily transforms selected streets into spaces that prioritize people on weekends."
"By limiting vehicle access, the streets become more enjoyable for walking, cycling, recreation, and community activities while maintaining access for authorized vehicles where applicable," a post from Make It Makati read.
"The initiative is part of Makati’s long-term vision to create a more connected, walkable, and livable city through a walkable network of streets," it added.
Another goal is to support businesses in the area by encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time around local establishments.
The Weekend Shared Street will run from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday starting on Aug. 1, and will continue on all weekends of the month.
The pilot will take place along selected streets connecting Ayala Triangle Gardens and Jaime Velasquez Park. These include Paseo de Roxas, Sedeño, Villar, Leviste, Gallardo, Velasquez, and Toledo.
Below is a traffic advisory map for the exact pedestrian areas, shared streets, vehicle routes, and drop-off locations.
Which roads will be affected?
The following roads in Salcedo Village will be fully or partially closed to vehicles during the pilot:
Paseo de Roxas Street
- The portion bounded by Sedeño Street and Villar Street will be fully closed.
Sedeño Street and Villar Street
- One lane on each street will remain open to vehicles.
Leviste Street
- The portion in front of Jaime Velasquez Park will be fully closed.
- One lane will remain open along other portions of Leviste Street.
Restaurants, cafés, retail establishments, offices, and other establishments within the affected areas will still continue operating, and visitors are encouraged to continue supporting local businesses.
The Makati government explained that they will be monitoring traffic conditions and observing how residents, workers, businesses, and visitors use the space throughout the initiative. The city will also gather feedback from those affected by the initiative.