Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue

In September 2023, Ayala Land and Make It Makati launched the Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue initiative, which provided much-needed open space in a bustling city where such opportunities are often limited. Given this challenge, the team had to strategize how to provide a venue that enables the community to engage in health and fitness activities.

To maximize the initiative, the team chose Ayala Avenue as the venue given its scale and accessibility. However, this involved careful planning since it also serves as Makati’s main thoroughfare, connecting highly frequented establishments such as Glorietta and Greenbelt malls, as well as other key institutions.

With the goal of creating an inclusive public space that prioritizes people over cars, another challenge was to shift perceptions, habits, and priorities toward a more active, social, and sustainable lifestyle. The strategy then focused on addressing the audience’s desire for a healthier urban experience that emphasizes human connections, physical activity, and shared spaces.

This was made possible through the various activities that catered to diverse interests and age groups, including running, biking, outdoor yoga sessions, group classes, and food markets. Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue became a welcoming environment that promoted physical well-being, mental health, and community bonding.

To manage accessibility for those visiting establishments within Makati, the road closure at Ayala Avenue is limited to 6:00 am – which is also an ideal time for early morning outdoor activities such as running and biking – until exactly 10:00 am when mall hours begin.

The Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue campaign transformed Makati’s urban landscape by fostering health, wellness, and community connections. Its innovative approach and strategic partnerships garnered strong support and highlighted the potential for a more livable, inclusive city.