This Saturday, 21 September, La Laguna is gearing up to celebrate European Mobility Week with a variety of activities suitable for individuals of all ages. Under the slogan ‘Experience public space in a new way!’, the agenda, organised by the Council’s Department of Mobility and Transport, headed by Domingo Galván, will run from 10:00 to 19:00 hours on Heraclio Sánchez Street.
By doing so, La Laguna is participating in this European initiative aimed at raising awareness among citizens regarding the importance of sharing and redesigning streets, squares, and public areas to enhance safety and sustainability. “We are prioritising more eco-friendly modes of transport, such as cycling and public transport, to mitigate pollution and noise, thus making our urban environments more liveable for all, particularly for vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly, and those with reduced mobility,” remarked the Councillor for the Area.
Galván highlighted the significance of this initiative for the city, stating, “It is crucial to demonstrate to residents that sustainable alternatives to private vehicles are available,” and he stressed the value of community involvement in this urban transformation process. “Public spaces are for everyone and we are committed to continuing our efforts to transform La Laguna into a greener, healthier city that is accommodating for both people and the environment,” he said.
Among the most prominent activities planned for this Saturday are the ‘Biciescuela’, which offers practical lessons in urban cycling, alongside a road safety circuit supervised by the Local Police to teach children road safety rules in an engaging manner. The schedule will also feature guided walking and cycling tours of the city’s iconic locations.
Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy activities such as gymkhanas, children’s games, and robotics workshops, among other leisure activities focused on exploring ecological mobility options.
The councillor elaborated that “this year we wish to particularly highlight how we can transform our cities to become more inclusive and environmentally friendly. It is an opportunity to contemplate how we utilise our public space and what modifications we can implement to enhance the quality of life for everyone.” With this aim, “we are already designing various initiatives that encompass the expansion of pedestrian zones, the development of new cycling infrastructure, and significant upgrades to public transport, making it more efficient and accessible for residents. This reflects a strong commitment to improving how we navigate our municipality and establishing La Laguna as a leader in this domain, where mobility is both convenient and environmentally conscious.”
In recent months, the Department of Mobility and Transport has facilitated the establishment of a Bicycle Roundtable (MEBILL), which brings together local stakeholders to encourage cycling as a practical mode of daily transport. Furthermore, he mentioned, “we are making steady progress towards the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) within the municipality, along with other significant projects that will undoubtedly usher in a new era for La Laguna.”
“Our vision is clear: we envision a municipality where individuals can walk and move about safely and comfortably, where the urban setting is healthy, and where we can coexist harmoniously with our surroundings. These initiatives not only address current demands but also prepare us for the environmental challenges that lie ahead in the coming years,” he concluded.
