Puerto Ricans would cover all their territory by cycling, thanks to a new and ambitious mobility proposal, which wants to create an enormous bike way in Puerto Rico that surrounds all the island.
This would allow to surround all the territory by foot or bicycle through a cycle-path constructed in an old railway route. Besides, it would connect with the different touristic and historic sites.
Some of the sites that would connect with the bike way in Puerto Rico are: former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, playa de Ponce, the Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve, Domes beach, Hacienda La Esperanza and Guajataca Tunnel.
What does cyclist say about the possible bike way in Puerto Rico?
The most important is that cyclists proposed this project, specifically by the members of the organization Ruta Borinquen. Their executive director David Soto Padin, commented that:
“The most important for us, as cyclists, is that there are many disconnected projects. Precisely, what we want in this project is to connect all the routes, including the ones of the best quality”.
About the rest of cycle paths of the island, the organization also ask to perform the necessary renovations, for example to fix drains and set flexible posts to reduce impacts between vehicles and cyclists.
Another important point to emphasize is that, with the project, the old railway bridge would be repaired, the one that crosses one sector of laguna del condado. This would be one of the diverse zones that would rehabilitate to provide them a safe road to cyclists.
What does authorities say?
The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) (in Spanish, Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas) mentioned to back the proposal of this bike way in Puerto Rico. For that, included in its plan of transportation to long term, that contemplates the aims in mobility for territory until 2050.
According to this, Eileen Velez Vega, secretary of the DTOP, commented:
“We have to consider the right of road, space limit. And we must verify that highways are suitable, we don’t want to add danger to vehicles and neither to cyclists. Our team evaluate the available data and decide the funds to assign to a project”.
In respect of, if the mega project is eligible for federal funds, is expected to be approved as soon as possible but using state resources.
Finally, Velez Vega indicated that the DTOP isn’t against initiatives of this class but, wants to create a greater priority and safety for all kinds of transport and motorists.
Advantages of the bike way in Puerto Rico
This great project would accomplish with all the expectations for a cycle route, and it would even satisfy the different need of mobility.
In one hand would connect with different points of interest to visit what would foster cycling, and also, good health.
Secondly, a cycling lane must benefit society and to the same city. This through the recovery and rehabilitation of public spaces. Sometimes, in many forgotten zones or in bad state, these are improved and reintegrated to city for social enjoyment. This would comply to remodel the already mentioned railway bridge.
Cuernavaca railway bike way, an example to follow
If authorities of Puerto Rico need a boost to create their mega cycle path, they only need to know about the Cuernavaca railroad bike way to convince their-selves about the feasibility.
The last one is located in Mexico with 37.2 miles of length; and inaugurated since 2006 and is one of the main cycling attractions. It covers all the city, pass through towns, highways and green areas of great beauty and interest.
By being the biggest cycle path of Mexico, all the weekends attract to tourists and cyclists that adventure and accept the challenge of cover it for complete. An appealing that doubtlessly boosts local economy and develops sport in all people.
