• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A public hearing was held May 27 at the Bacolod Government Center on the proposal to make this highly-urbanized city “more walkable, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly,” Councilor Em Ang said.
Ang, who authored the proposed ordinance promoting walkability in Bacolod, said discussions centered on innovative ways to implement this plan. “Making walking easier…can make other sustainable modes of transport more attractive – bicycling, e-biking, and mass transportation all stand to gain from improved walkability in cities.”
As per the proposal, there is need to improve sidewalks and crosswalks, as well as pedestrian signals. “The city shall prioritize the construction and maintenance of sidewalks that are at least 1.5 meters wide, clear of obstacles, and made of durable materials.”
All intersections shall have marked crosswalks with clear signals and sufficient lighting to ensure pedestrian safety, and signal timing shall prioritize pedestrian crossing time, it added.
Speed limits in urban areas shall be reduced to 30 km/h to prioritize pedestrian safety, while traffic calming devices, such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and chicanes shall be installed in areas with high pedestrian activity, Ang added. “Zoning regulations shall prioritize pedestrian-oriented design, with buildings facing the street and minimal setbacks.”
She stressed the need for a safe, accessible, and sustainable urban environment that prioritizes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and promotes the well-being of citizens. | CGC
