About the Challenge
It’s almost impossible to walk on the sidewalk uninterruptedly. Many times, pedestrians are forced to step off the sidewalk and onto the road due to obstructions like utility posts, uneven pavements, or even the abrupt disappearance of the sidewalk itself. Our sidewalks are in these bad conditions because development and progress are too frequently equated with car-centric solutions where expanding roadways is seen as a way to “decongest” our cities. This comes at the expense of pedestrians who frequently lose valuable walking space in the process.
This car-centric approach has led to a serious public safety crisis, where almost 40% of road fatalities recorded in 2023 involve pedestrians according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Air quality is another urgent concern. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that air pollution contributes to around 27,000 deaths annually from respiratory diseases. The cost of convenience of cars also exacts a heavy toll on the economy, costing the country approximately ₱3.5 billion each day in lost productivity, as reported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
It is clear that if we continue to build our cities around cars, we stand to lose a great deal. Investing in improved pedestrian infrastructure not only outweighs the costs associated with car-centric development but also leads to safer streets, a healthier planet, and more inclusive and accessible cities. Additionally, making walking and commuting more comfortable can help Filipinos save money on fuel and rely less on cars. It also encourages exercise and will enhance connectivity and accessibility of public transport systems. We need to prioritize pedestrians and ensure that walking is a safe, accessible, and convenient option for everyone, especially for those who cannot or choose not to drive.
The Hack-A-Street Challenge invites young innovators, programmers, data scientists, urban planners, and change makers to design digital solutions addressing how we can make our streets more pedestrian-friendly to adapt and thrive in response to the growing pressures of urbanization, the climate crisis, and the need for improved safety.
The Challenge Statement: The benefits of having walkable communities are clear, but identifying priority areas in need of improvement and determining the best approach for change within unique local contexts can be quite challenging. How can digital solutions be leveraged to plan for better streets that prioritize pedestrian safety, accessibility, and mobility?
