The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the Car-free Sundays Ordinance of Bacolod City during its regular session on Wednesday, October 16.
The car-free Sundays temporarily restricts vehicular traffic on Lacson Street from BS Aquino Drive to South Capitol from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sundays to provide a safe and enjoyable space for pedestrians, cyclists, and pets to engage in recreational activities, the ordinance states.
The ordinance states that the city government recognizes the need to promote healthier lifestyles and foster community well-being through increased physical activity and social interaction.
Reducing vehicular traffic can significantly lower air pollution levels, thereby improving air quality and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment, it said.
Creating car-free zones encourages walking and biking, which are environmentally friendly and help reduce the city's carbon footprint, it added.This initiative aligns with the City’s long-term goals of promoting sustainability, enhancing public spaces, and improving the overall quality of life for its residents, the ordinance said.
The ordinance was authored by Councilor Celia Flor and co-authored by councilors Em Ang, Al Victor Espino, Israel Salanga, Claudio Jesus Puentevella, Lady Gles Pallen, Renecito Novero, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Simplicia Distrito, Psyche Marie Sy, Danna Cuaycong-Barzo, Cindy Rojas, Vladimir Gonzalez and Jason Villarosa.*