Sunday, October 12, 2008 Tapping on foot power By Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
IN this time of high fuel prices and worsening pollution, people continue to be held hostage by smoke-belching, multi-wheeled road monsters. But people cannot completely blame them.
Walking around the city is often a challenging experience.
Just consider these scenarios: full exposure to sun and rain, possible presence of “nefarious elements” of society, and non-existent sidewalks.
While some sections of the metro have their sidewalks, most of these are narrow and dilapidated. Murkiness prevails at nighttime as there is no sufficient lighting. And buildings and vendors often defy the setback presented by regulations by encroaching into what is considered a public realm. Well, would you want to use these foot paths?
On the other hand, there are privately developed districts in the city that have epitomes of what an ideal sidewalk (or you could also make that an ideal city) should be. You go through Asiatown I.T. Park, for instance, and you’ll forget that you just trudged several meters with ease but doing it on a “regular sidewalk” would have been tedious and seemingly eternal.
In the City of Naga, the seaside recreational park at the back of their City Hall building also has wide promenades to compliment the tranquil view of the ocean. You get a glimpse of these scenes elsewhere in the city and you’ll probably ditch your car.
The magic behind all this is attributed to well-planned and well-zoned areas and yes, the presence of sidewalks.
In an ideal sidewalk, mobility is a pleasant experience. Through borders, lines and colors, sidewalks can be clearly distinguished from the road.
Ample width (minimum of 1.2 meters, per Batas Pambansa No. 344) and curb cut-outs ensure trouble-free use for those who use the wheel chair-bound.
One need not risk a twisted ankle or being sideswiped by a rampaging road monster because of obstructions and potholes on the sidewalk.
Plants and trees lining these walkways have other great functions aside from providing visual balance between the “hardscape” (concrete) and the “softscape” (greens).
Low shrubs serve as road buffers, and trees canopy the pedestrians for a safer and more enjoyable amble. Of course, plants are natural urban ornaments.
For so long now, people have relied too much on machines with wheels that cause pollution, even if it’s just a walking distances.
That is why they always feel a major pinch when prices of gasoline go up. They often ignore one solution that is readily available.
All one has to do is look down and behold: an essential pair of human tools for probably the cheapest way to travel. Perhaps the government leaders could tap on foot power by improving (and introducing) sidewalks in the metro that are actually conducive to walking.
