Yesterday, the bike lane in Santa Cruz witnessed its inaugural bikefestation, with over a hundred cyclists embarking on a journey through the city centre to advocate for the newly established personal mobility network in the capital. Despite the looming threat of rain, the bicycles and scooters successfully completed a route that commenced at Weyler Square and concluded at the interchange, following the planned design of the personal mobility network, which is expected to be finalised by April.
“We are extremely pleased with the turnout. The aim of the march was to celebrate Santa Cruz’s inclusion among Spanish and European cities that promote cycling as a means of transport, and we have received tremendous support from the citizens who joined us,” remarked Natalia García, president of the Tenerife Association for the Bike.
“We are equally invested in ensuring that the bike lane is beneficial for both pedestrians and local businesses, as we also reside in Santa Cruz,” stated Agustín Bollo from the Santa Cruz cycling association. “During these initial months, we will be attentive and open to feedback from residents and businesses, and if enhancements can be made, we will convey necessary suggestions for improvement to the City Council.”
Cyclists celebrated the inclusion of the capital among cities like Seville, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen, which have developed cycling infrastructure to establish the bicycle as a vital component of sustainable transport. This demand, voiced by various groups over the years, is becoming a reality with the implementation of the personal mobility network in the low emissions zone. The network boasts nearly 19 kilometres of cycling routes, including 2.72 kilometres of bike lanes protected from motor traffic (with 2.17 kilometres of bike lane on roads and 0.55 kilometres on pavements), and an additional 16 kilometres of shared bike streets where bicycles will share the road with cars, with a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. Furthermore, in addition to the personal mobility network, the Chicharrero City Council has devised a basic cycling network of 23 kilometres to connect the centre with the main thoroughfares, comprising seven projects expected to be realised soon. Cyclist organisations are eager for their voices to be acknowledged and are calling for the prompt implementation of the basic cycling network, alongside a more extensive supplementary network for the surrounding neighbourhoods that will integrate with the cycling network of the lagoon.
