The topic of bike ways in SLP is very controversial. In one hand, municipal authorities ensure that will continue with the creation of a great cycle path network that interconnect state. On the other hand, that project is on hold since a time ago.
The intention of San Luis Potosi government is to prioritize the inclusive mobility. The main purpose is to build a great number of cycle path miles. Unfortunately, there’s no definition of the cycling infrastructure project.
In this respect, the mayor, Enrique Galindo Ceballos, mentioned that it is carrying out a hard work of analysis through Instituto Municipal de Planeación (IMPLAN) (Municipal Institute of Planning), “even though I haven’t received the result, it’s working with the council of mobility, isn’t just the IMPLAN, but citizenship operating, and I asked them before starting the stewardship, the final proposal to start with the government, with the bike ways topic”, he said.
All is going to connect with the SLP bike ways
Of course, is obvious that the future great SLP bike way network is far from happening, the mayor previewed that mainly, all the construction and infrastructure performed in a state, must be connected with a cycling lane.
He also emphasized an adjustment of the project, and this will be shared the following days. However, mentioned that is all planed for “all the infrastructures that we make, have their own bike way, as we mention, fix sidewalks, drainage, lighting and others, we will include bike way. All what we do, it will have a connection to a bike way”.
If performed, this would be a great advantage for all the people of SLP. The best cycle paths are those well planned, constructed and highly connected with key zones. These last can be from main avenues, touristic areas and to interconnection with other public transport.
Cycle path in Venustiano Carranza, the great slope
The mayor emphasized that after seeing the functioning of bike ways in Bogotá, he is confident of their functionality, but also, they need the correct planning and location.
For that, in accordance with the cycle path in Venustiano Carranza Street, the one that gets to Tequis garden, thought that work must go on, but under a re-planning.
“It must go on, but needs planning the bike way, I can see it now in Bogotá; until I didn’t see it, I believed it. Many of the bike ways are on sidewalk, depends on the width, culture; it attracted my attention that most percentage of bike ways substitute the median, many are next to this, others to streets and others to sidewalks”.
Cyclists are angry
While the mayor Galindo Ceballos ensures that will have advances with the construction of bike ways, cyclists aren’t happy with the current advances.
This is the case of cyclist group Pedaleando SLP, who said that the declarations of mayor are disappointing according to the cycle path of Carranza Avenue. And they said to have enough, after 3 years of promises, and speeches, they keep discussing if that lane must remain or not.
They said it was moment of leave behind this point, instead, adopt an ampler and more ambitious vision for cycling infrastructure. All with the intention of construct an ample cycle path network.
In other of the most alarming points, the community indicated that “Consejo Ciudadano de Movilidad (Citizen’s Mobility Council) in many occasions mentioned they have no information neither involvement in the studies that mayor mentions. This lack of citizen communication and perception of opacity and disconnection with real needs of community”, cyclists exposed.
Indicated that until now, administration has prioritized the automobile mobility. And stand out that “isn’t inadequate only, but contradicts the best practices and regulations for a safe and sustainable mobility”.
Likewise, indicated a lack of interconnection among the bike ways of SLP, limiting its use.
For that, emphasized the need of construct a greater cycling infrastructure to connect the lanes for cyclists to move safely and fluently through city.
