January 9, 2023, 4:00 AM
January 9, 2023, 4:00 AM
The world changes and it is necessary to do it with it and for the better. After the pandemic, the confinement and the lack of options to go out and transport, the bicycle gradually became a valid, loyal and true option.
Sometimes, some facts show us a more sordid reality than we usually admit. After the tragic accidents involving cyclists, which occur every week in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, there is room for deep reflections and urgent actions to be taken.
One of the drawbacks, if not the biggest, is that the city does not offer the conditions for this practice, the use of this means of transport, to be fairly possible. Going out pedaling under any circumstance usually carries a very high risk.
On repeated occasions, the victims of cycling accidents are not attended to at the moment, it is even common to see that whoever runs over runs away cowardly instead of assisting and helping the badly injured cyclist. Awareness and empathy, in these cases, should be part of citizen awareness campaigns.
It is no longer an option to prevent the bicycle from being a means of transport. Among the conditions of its use is that of changing the education of vehicle drivers until the maximum respect for their existence is achieved. Given the disrespect of those who consider the bicycle a hindrance, there are regulations that must be respected with the highest consideration.
The decisive way to definitively build new transport, leisure and recreation options in a vehicle at hand and full of benefits cannot remain in electoral promises.
The bike paths in Santa Cruz de la Sierra lack connections, suffer deterioration and do not have timely monitoring for their maintenance, they are not marked and have even been invaded by street vendors. But, furthermore, there is no urban planning that really takes them into account.
Bicycle paths are needed, that they are visible and that their use is respected.
The benefits for the city are multiple and free. Awareness must be accompanied by the support and compliance with the regulations and with continuous road safety education campaigns supported by the municipal Mayor’s Office.
Why stop people who want to cycle for exercise, for work, to save money, to be autonomous and sustainable by commuting from one place to another? Why not benefit?
The big cities have gotten on the bike and have become aware that there is much to be gained. They have understood that by making life easier for the bicycle there are healthy benefits for everyone.
Claiming the use as a symbol of freedom, autonomy, clean and individual transport and health is as simple as possible.
There will be fewer vehicles circulating and therefore less environmental pollution, fewer traffic jams and ‘trancaderas’. It is a matter of city development policies. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a privileged site due to its flat surface, climate and natural conditions.
It is time to plan and make safe, adequate and connected lanes for bicycles, planning their sustainability and growth over time. Other great capitals of the world are gaining this tradition and listening to the needs of the new generations.
Making it easier for people to move by bicycle will be beneficial for everyone and will transform the concept of respect for others, their performance and their mobility, leading to a healthier and more empathetic life with others.
