Canary Islands: Illegal Road Races Fuel Safety Fears, Resident Anger
Residents in the Canary Islands are increasingly angered by illegal car and motorcycle races on public roads, prompting authorities to implement measures like barriers and speed cameras, though locals demand faster action.
Rallying has been a popular tradition in the Canary Islands for decades. It's a big part of local culture, boosting tourism, the economy, and a love for motorsports. However, when these activities move off official tracks and outside scheduled events, they become a public safety issue. This is now happening in areas like Los Loros and Atogo, where illegal car and motorcycle gatherings and races are causing growing anger among residents and serious concern for authorities. While local pressure is mounting and officials are starting to respond, the problem is far from solved.
One of the main affected areas is the Los Loros road, an 8-kilometer stretch connecting Arafo to higher ground, the Siete Lomas Natural Park, and the town of Candelaria. This road has become a hotspot for dangerous activities every weekend.
Locals report that motorcycles and sports cars use the road at different times. Motorcycles are mostly seen on Saturday and Sunday mornings, while afternoons and evenings are for car gatherings. Both illegal races and large vehicle meet-ups happen here.
"We're against the high speeds many drivers reach on this road," says Juan Ramón Martín, the mayor of Arafo. He openly shares his concern, adding, "There have already been accidents and many incidents, showing we need to act here. This is one of the three most serious problems in our town right now."
Martín explains that every weekend, 80 to 100 cars gather near the local winery. They drive back and forth, creating loud engine backfires that disrupt the area's peace and quiet.
These illegal races endanger not only those taking part but also residents, farmers, and hikers.
One resident complained, "You come out of a path, try to cross the road, you look left and right to be safe, and suddenly a motorcycle is right on top of you."
On October 28, Arafo Town Council held a Local Security Board meeting. Attendees included representatives from the central government, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo), the Traffic Civil Guard, and local police from Arafo and Candelaria.
This was the first time all these groups met, and they agreed on several specific actions. These include: the Tenerife Island Council investing 200,000 euros to install fences or other barriers to stop parking and, in turn, gatherings; requesting a section speed camera from the General Directorate of Traffic; increasing police patrols with regular checks; and regulating parking in the protected Siete Lomas area. The mayor concluded, "These measures are a first step to bring back peace and safety for residents."
Further south, near the planned Motor Circuit, the situation is even more tense in Atogo, a district of Granadilla known for its rallying history. Residents' anger is rising, and they warn they will take action themselves if authorities don't step in. They say the main road through their neighborhood is now overrun with nighttime races and gatherings.
"They've confused freedom with recklessness," states Casiano González Mesa, president of the Atogo Neighborhood Association. "This started about a year and a half ago. Back then, you'd see two or three cars. Now, there are up to twelve every few nights." Mesa adds that residents feel powerless.
"They line up in both directions and race," he explains. "One group heads towards Chafiras, the other towards San Isidro. They reach very high speeds and make a huge noise. If you go out to complain, they insult you. We feel completely alone."
Residents report frequent accidents, damage to their own vehicles, dozens of knocked-down walls, and a general feeling that those responsible face no consequences. The neighborhood association has started petitions and protests, and they are considering blocking the road if quick action isn't taken.
"Next year, we will gather, and there will be no competition," they warn, if authorities fail to act. "This will be our last resort, but we will do it." At the recent Granadilla de Abona Town Council meeting, a motion from the socialist party was presented and unanimously approved.
The agreement called for special surveillance and control operations on the Atogo road during times when vehicles gather. It also urged the Tenerife Island Council and other relevant authorities to install a speed camera to help reduce accidents.
The Tamaimo road in Santiago del Teide is another area known for dangerous motorsport activities. While accidents, some fatal, have happened there repeatedly, the Town Council says it has no record of unusual events. Without formal complaints or strong surveillance, this situation remains unresolved and concerning.
Recently, a video showing a demolished wall on one of the road's sharpest bends has been shared on social media.
Rallying is a significant cultural and sporting event in the Canary Islands, attracting thousands of fans. But when it turns into an uncontrolled spectacle, it threatens community life. Residents are demanding faster and stronger action. "They won't do anything until someone dies," people from Atogo sadly remark.