Delivering better mobility | The Manila Times

IN the most livable cities around the world, there is an abundance of safe, affordable, environmentally sustainable and attractive travel options for moving around the urban environment — walking, cycling and many forms of public transport that enable people to have active, low-carbon lifestyles. Persons with disabilities are not barred, because transportation infrastructure and services are designed for universal access. City plans and zoning regulations enable jobs, services and other important urban destinations to be generally within a reasonable walking or commuting distance to avoid dependence on a private motor vehicle. This is what inclusive and sustainable mobility looks like.

Many of these elements are missing from Philippine urban environments despite clear policy directives prioritizing the welfare of pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport. Almost everywhere, sidewalks are substandard, unsafe or missing. With few protected bike lanes, cycling is perceived by many as only for the intrepid. Roads are generally designed for those in four-wheeled motor vehicles, even though only 6 percent of Filipino households own cars.