ESTABLISHING WALKABLE, BIKEABLE MODEL BARANGAYS

ESTABLISHING WALKABLE, BIKEABLE MODEL BARANGAYS Imagine living in a barangay where you can walk or bike to work, school, church, the market, and even the hospital. A community where cars do not dominate the streets, and instead, people take priority. This vision is not only possible but necessary for a sustainable future. I advocate that every city and municipality in the Philippines should establish at least one model barangay that is walkable and bikeable (WABA), setting the standard for others to follow until the entire city or municipality transforms into a pedestrian-friendly haven. Why Walkable, Bikeable Barangays Matter Urban congestion, pollution, and inefficient public transport systems have made mobility a daily struggle for many Filipinos. A well-planned WABA can significantly improve quality of life by promoting physical activity, reducing air pollution, and fostering a stronger sense of community. These barangays should not only prioritize walking and biking but also ensure that residents can “live, play, shop, and pray” all within short distances. Essential services like schools, hospitals, markets, and places of worship should be accessible by foot or bicycle, reducing the reliance on motor vehicles. The Features of a Model Barangay A model WABA should adhere to global standards for walkable and bikeable communities, ensuring: 1. Compact Development – Higher-density, mixed-use neighborhoods that minimize the need for long commutes. 2. Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure – Sidewalks at least 3.5 meters wide on major streets, safe crossings, and active street frontages that encourage walkability. 3. Bike-Friendly Infrastructure – Dedicated, protected bike lanes at least two meters wide per direction, secure bike parking, and comprehensive bikeway networks connecting homes to key destinations. 4. Integrated Planning – Coordinated urban planning that aligns transportation with land use to support a car-free lifestyle. 5. Sustainability – Reliable electricity, clean water, and strong internet signals all year round. 6. Waste and Sanitation Compliance – Proper Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for efficient waste management and sanitation. 7. Efficient Public Transport – Community-based shuttle services that connect residents to downtown areas and work sites, reducing the need for private car use. 8. Employment Opportunities – Encouraging local businesses and job creation to lower unemployment and poverty rates. Learning from Global Best Practices Cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Paris have successfully embraced walkable and bikeable urban planning. The “15-minute city” concept, pioneered in Paris, aims for residents to access daily essentials within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. London’s Walking Action Plan and Amsterdam’s extensive bike lane network demonstrate that sustainable mobility is not just a dream—it is achievable with the right policies and community engagement. Moving Forward How can we make this happen in the Philippines? Local government units (LGUs) must take the lead by selecting one barangay in each city or municipality to serve as a model WABA. Urban planners, transportation experts, and community members should collaborate to design and implement these neighborhoods. Funding can be sourced from public-private partnerships, national government support, and international urban development grants. Would you like to see your barangay transformed into a walkable, bikeable paradise? Let’s push for policies that prioritize people over cars, health over convenience, and sustainability over short-term urban sprawl. The future of our cities depends on the steps we take today—one pedestrian-friendly barangay at a time. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-05-2025