Intramuros is about to become more biker- and pedestrian-friendly. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista held the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the active and public transport infrastructure within the “Walled City”. This will ensure more comfortable, convenient, safe, and exciting travels within the walls.
DOTr expanding active transport facilities in Intramuros; should be completed Q4 2023
Photo: DOTr
This effort is all being done in the interest of more sustainable and active transportation in the Philippines. Expanding Active Transport facilities here will bridge the historical charm of Intramuros with the modern appeal of alternative transport,” Secretary Bautista said.
Bautista likewise conveyed the Department’s utmost appreciation to its partners in making the project possible. “So, with the grateful support of our partners from the Department of Tourism, the Intramuros Administration, the City government of Manila and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, we break ground to develop this historical site as a safe haven for users of bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles.”
Photo: DOTr
The project will involve the construction of 9.6 kilometers of Class 1, 2, and 3 bike lanes, the construction of a pedestrian walkway with PWD-accessibility ramps, as well as the establishment of four (4) public transport stops along the district. These improvements are part of the large-scale efforts of the national government to champion and strongly promote active and public transportation in Intramuros and minimize the district’s reliance on private cars.
This is also in line with the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Transportation and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in partnership with the Intramuros Administration for the establishment of the expansion project last 28 September 2022.
Photo: DOTr
A lot of us have been to the Walled City, and we have to admit that the sights and sounds can be best enjoyed on foot, or via a casual and stately stroll on a bicycle. The heritage that can be found within the walls is rather priceless, and barring the presence of motorized vehicles, you can safely say that it’s a step back in time, and an awesome one at that.
Active transport has become a very sound and strong idea both to alleviate vehicular traffic and to promote the overall health of Filipinos since the advent of the global crisis. It’s always nice to see the government follow through with these efforts and involve areas that we all know are heavy on foot traffic but are not or cannot be maximized due to the inherent dangers (and hassles) of motorized vehicles zipping by.
The 4th quarter of 2023 will be here in no time, and if it all goes according to plan, a leisurely stroll inside Intramuros does sound like a pretty good idea! Plus if the climate’s going to cool down during that time, well, you can definitely count us in!
