PASIG, Philippines — As Filipinos within Metro Manila embrace the bicycle lifestyle as their preferred transportation method, and with more pedestrians in Pasig City, Ortigas Land has teamed up with the local government of Pasig City to introduce a pedestrian-friendly intersection located along Shaw Boulevard, between Capitol Commons and Barangay Kapitolyo.
Improving the pedestrian experience
As the location of the intersection is surrounded by residential communities, the new infrastructure introduces features that promote a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists including improved walkways, a pedestrian safety island, and improved bike features.
Premier property developer, Ortigas Land, has ensured walkways that connect Unimart Capitol Commons, Gastro at Capitol Commons, and Brgy. Kapitolyo to be more spacious and more PWD-friendly. With pedestrian signages and lights installed to guide pedestrians as they cross the street, they are assured of their safety as motorists will have visual cues.
Another feature that assures the safety of pedestrians are safety islands which serve as a secure area for pedestrians while they wait for the green signal for them to cross. Cyclists are also able to benefit from the upgraded intersection with different bike features which will make their ride secure and safe.
Going beyond bike lanes, the Pasig City Government and Ortigas Land introduce bike boxes as a salient feature for the benefit of cyclists. Bike boxes are extensions of bike lanes which are designated priority areas for cyclists at intersections which will allow them to get ahead of traffic and provide a safe way to make their left turns. The completion of all upgrades will make this intersection the country’s first LGU-led protected bike lane.
Improving traffic conditions for motorists
The upgrades done for the intersection are not just beneficial to pedestrians and cyclists, it also benefits motorists through a new traffic signalization system, and convenient access to other roads.
The new traffic signalization system introduced ensures smooth traffic flow from the Camino Verde Road of Capitol Commons, Shaw Boulevard and West Capitol Drive. This will allow proper phasing of crossing of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists which would reduce traffic congestion while also ensuring everyone’s safety.
With the improved intersection, motorists will gain quicker access to Kalayaan Bridge which will cut travel time from Ortigas Center and Capitol Commons to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati City.
Promoting pedestrian and bike-friendly spaces
The upgraded intersection across Capitol Commons is just one of the examples of how Ortigas Land promotes pedestrian and bike-friendly spaces in their properties.
In Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Land has introduced the Greenhills Active Playground in partnership with the City Government of San Juan City. This boasts dedicated bike lanes and joggers which are open 24/7. The bike-friendly space also covers streets which the City of San Juan has designated as no parking zones.
Ortigas East, on the other hand, has ensured eye-catching pedestrian lanes throughout the estate and bike stops which prove to be useful for cyclists. Circulo Verde in Quezon City promotes a healthy and active lifestyle with its Bike Playground, and with the perimeter road which cyclists could also use as a pathway for exercise.
The soon-to-open Circulo Verde bridge that connects Pasig to Quezon City will also feature dedicated bike lanes, testament to the property developer’s commitment in promoting pedestrian and bike-friendly spaces.
All of the estates have dedicated pathways for pedestrians which are also accessible to people with disabilities (PWD).