[Editorial] Cebu City has sidewalks, but having them does not automatically make the city walkable. As more Cebuanos embrace walking, running, and other outdoor activities, safe and accessible pedestrian spaces are becoming more important than ever. Yet, cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, and obstacles along some sidewalks can turn a simple walk into a challenge. If Cebu City wants to encourage a more active lifestyle, it may be time to look beyond the number of sidewalks and ask whether they truly serve the people who use them.
Walking Should Not Feel Like an Obstacle Course
For pedestrians, a good sidewalk should offer a clear, level, and continuous path. However, damaged concrete, sudden changes in pavement height, and blocked walkways can make walking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Pedestrians may be forced to slow down, step around obstacles, or enter the road to continue their journey. These conditions undermine the purpose of having sidewalks in the first place, especially along busy streets where vehicles leave little room for error.
Is Cebu City Accessible to Everyone?
A walkable city must also consider persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, parents with strollers, and people with limited mobility. Uneven pavement, cracks, missing curb ramps, and inaccessible crossings can make everyday trips difficult for these groups. A route that seems manageable to an able-bodied pedestrian may pose a serious barrier to someone using a wheelchair or a cane. Improving sidewalks should therefore involve more than repairing visible damage. It should mean creating continuous, accessible routes that allow everyone to move around with greater independence.
Safety Matters Beyond the Pavement
Even a well-maintained sidewalk may feel unsafe if pedestrians have to worry about traffic, poor lighting, or crime. Better street lighting, visible police patrols in areas where they are needed, and safer pedestrian crossings can help make walking more comfortable. Authorities must also keep sidewalks free from obstructions and ensure that motorists do not use pedestrian spaces for parking. When people feel safe on the streets, walking becomes a more practical choice for daily errands, exercise, and short trips around the city.
Cebu City Needs Sidewalks That Work for People
Encouraging an active lifestyle means making everyday movement easier, not simply telling people to walk more. Cebu City needs sustained sidewalk maintenance, accessible infrastructure, clearer pedestrian routes, and consistent enforcement of rules protecting public walkways. These improvements can benefit not only runners and fitness enthusiasts but also workers, students, commuters, and residents who depend on walking every day. Cebu City has sidewalks, but the bigger question remains: are they good enough for everyone to use safely?
