Davao City Expands Car-Free Sunday Route to Bucana Bridge
In a move to promote healthier lifestyles, Davao City's Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) has officially extended the Car-Free Sunday (CFS) route to include the Bucana Bridge. This expansion, announced in a Facebook post on March 5, 2026, aims to provide residents with more space for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and other fitness pursuits.
Enhanced Schedule and Safety Measures
The Car-Free Sunday initiative is scheduled every Sunday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., commencing on March 8, 2026. Participants are advised to use the Tulip Area entrance to access Bucana Bridge, while the Roxas Coastal Road remains closed during these hours. The city emphasizes the importance of safety and cleanliness, urging everyone to follow traffic marshals and personnel on duty.
"We encourage everyone to observe proper safety measures, follow traffic marshals and personnel on duty, and maintain cleanliness in the area. Let us continue to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all Dabawenyos," stated the SDD-CMO in their social media announcement.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
The Davao Coastal Roadrunners (DCR) have warmly welcomed the route extension, highlighting that it offers a longer, safer, and more scenic path for running, walking, and biking. In a statement to SunStar Davao on March 9, the group expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and called for community participation.
"We invite everyone to join and make the most of this initiative, whether for running, walking, or biking. Let’s work together to keep our coastal roads safe, lively, and welcoming for everyone in the community," said DCR representatives.
Looking ahead, DCR hopes for further expansion of the route to the Roxas exit once construction is completed. Additionally, the group has urged the local government to install lighting along the coastal road to ensure participant safety during early morning or late afternoon activities.
"By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and community involvement, Car-Free Sunday can continue to thrive as a people-centered initiative that promotes healthy lifestyles and vibrant public spaces for all," added DCR.
Background and Broader Context
The Car-Free Sunday program was approved by the 20th City Council as part of the Davao City Sports Development Division's Physical Fitness Program. Environmental advocacy group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) has long supported a "Car-Free Ordinance" to encourage recreational activities like jogging, cycling, and pet walking on weekends.
Similar car-free initiatives have been successfully implemented in other Philippine cities, such as Makati's Ayala Avenue, managed in partnership with Ayala Land, and independently in Antipolo City. Davao City officials originally drafted the ordinance before the pandemic but postponed its implementation to align with the High Priority Bus System project.
