Alacant en Bici urges action
Association lobbys for 'tactical use of areas' during health restrictions
ALACANT en Bici is an association aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and the use of bicycles as a preferred means of transport in Alicante city.
In view of the current increased mobility restrictions, the association has urged Alicante city hall to open safe leisure areas and temporary cycle paths that would enable residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and travel ‘in safe conditions that prevent infection’.
The association also recommended an increase in the frequency of public transport in order to ‘prevent infection among people travelling to work and other essential activities’.
They note that mobility restrictions have led to a ‘significant reduction in the use of motor vehicles’ and the clearer areas created by this decrease should be ‘used to open up spaces where citizens can do physical exercise at the same time as social distancing’.
Additionally, city hall could ‘use the excess of unused asphalt to put in temporary cycle lanes’ that would make ‘tactical’ use of these areas by connecting health centres, work areas and educational centres.
The association suggests that during the pandemic the bicycle has become an ‘ally’ in avoiding contagion, contrary to infections that happen inside motor vehicles, which have contributed to the spread of the virus.
“Many people are able to travel by bike, but need an infrastructure to provide them with security – we cannot lose this opportunity,” they say.
“Alicante city hall is being left behind in adapting the city to the new reality. A climate and health crisis such as this should make our leaders rethink the use of public spaces. Our health is deteriorating. We’re still waiting."