After the inauguration in 2017 of Ciclopista Hermanos Serdán in Puebla, and the different controversies since its implementation, it was finally remodeled, rehabilitated and presented for the enjoyment of its users.
The cycling community, skaters and runners of Puebla can enjoy once more of the Ciclopista Hermanos Serdán. This after the governor Sergio Salomon Céspedes announced the re-opening of this space, which was closed during several weeks due refurbishment works since June.
In accordance with the Head of the Secretaria de Infrastructura Estatal (Secretary of State Infrastructure), Luis Roberto Tenorio García, the rehabilitation of this cycling lane, the only elevated on Mexico, had a budget of more than 47 million of pesos.
With that money, was possible to provide maintenance to 3.45 total miles that conform the bike lane.
The official emphasizes the previous information; due bike lane haven’t received any maintenance since 2017, when started to function.
On the other hand, now has a greater horizontal and vertical signage, as a better metal structure. In addition, they installed a lighting system with 326 pieces of LED light with a photo cell of 100 watts and 210 pieces of more than 50 watts.
It also intervenes a pedestrian bridge with the change of sheet, paint and structural defects. 27 garbage cans were repaired and 3 new pieces were installed. In addition, to increase the cycling infrastructure, were set 6 new bike parking.
Ciclopista Hermanos Serdán, a necessary recreational space
During the re-inauguration of the bike lane, the governor emphasized the importance of recreational spaces for a society. He said these are necessary to develop sports in new generations; and represent a space for families to have a good time.
“Puebla has a state government that wants to create better life conditions, for that, rescues public spaces as bike lanes, to foster the non-motorized mobility and a safe entertainment”, emphasized the governor, who also anticipated that during the rest of the administration will keep providing maintenance to public spaces.
The most expensive and controversial of Mexico
Since planning and inauguration on January 16th of 2017, during the government of Rafael Moreno Valle, the construction of this cycling lane was criticized.
To start, it was performed in a zone were had to be felled trees to construct it. For that, part of the society and even some cyclists, were positioned against it.
Their construction keeps forward to transforming into the most expensive bike lane in Mexico. The total cost of it was 271 million 382 thousand pesos.
After January 5th of 2022, the government of governor Miguel Barbosa Huerta, announced the possible removal of the bike lane, or at least to stop being elevated to set on floor. The arguments were the insecurity, bad conditions and there was no benefit to society.
Even, mentioned that cyclists don’t used it, cyclists that also criticized by ensuring that before their construction they were against it, and when was planned to take if off, this was defended. In fact, at that time, the ex-governor challenged people to use it during two consecutive months.
As an answer, the cycling and sport community commented the need to remodel some zones, install electricity and greater safety.
Assault zone
A research performed by portal Ángulo7 in mid-2023, denounced that users have suffered assaults when using the bike lane.
This happened during morning and night, in addition, these are armed robberies, for cyclists and runners.
One of my sisters was assaulted, she was running, she was doing exercise. They assaulted her with a knife, they snatched her phone, so there’s a security to the 100%… It was around 9 am, she took my niece to school and it was on the other side where the bodega is… They snatched her phone, and they put a knife on her”, a user said.
Likewise, the affected people denounced that parts of cycling lane presented holes that also penetrate to see the avenue. The lack of lighting and rusty steel bars, were also other aspects to emphasize about.
Now with the road path remodeling, as the installation of electricity; is expected greater safety for visitors and residents.
