La Laguna Unveils New Bike Lane Plan

La Laguna City Council has launched a new phase in its city transport plan. The goal is to improve and strengthen the existing network of bike lanes, and to explore where new ones could be added across the city.

This initiative aims to create a greener, safer, and more organized transport system, especially as more people are choosing to use bicycles and personal electric vehicles.

Currently, La Laguna has five kilometers of bike lanes that are part of the main roads. The city's new strategy involves making these lanes work better, improving how different users share them, and preparing for future expansions.

City officials from the Mobility and Citizen Security departments met to discuss this network. They agreed to work together to prevent problems on public roads and to provide better information to citizens.

Key priorities include putting up clearer signs, reviewing the current lane designs, creating an information campaign for both users and people living in affected areas, and adding more parking spots for bikes and scooters.

Domingo Galván, the Mobility Councillor, stressed that bike lanes are vital for encouraging more sustainable travel. However, he added that they also need ongoing planning and clear signs to ensure they are used correctly. He explained that the aim is to help pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles share the road better, and to expand these lanes in an organized way.

Badel Albelo, from Citizen Security, highlighted that as these lanes are developed, they must come with road safety measures and proper information for everyone. He stated, "A well-signed network that people understand reduces problems and makes public roads safer for all users."

La Laguna's bike lanes are integrated into the regular roads, shared by bikes and cars, usually with a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour. Unlike separate bike lanes, these do not have a physical barrier. This allows bikes to ride in the middle of the lane and have priority, which helps keep traffic calm. This approach aims to slow down city traffic, encourage eco-friendly travel, and boost safety without needing major changes to the streets.

A key part of the plan will be a city-wide information campaign. It's designed to answer questions, clarify usage rules, and raise awareness among both lane users and residents of the areas through which they run. Galván noted, "It will help everyone understand the system better and use it responsibly."

The City Council has also promised to add more dedicated parking spots for bikes and personal electric vehicles. This has been a frequent request to stop them from being parked on sidewalks or in unauthorized areas.

The City Council insists that these lanes are not meant to replace future separate bike paths. Instead, they are part of a flexible, step-by-step plan for city transport.

These actions are part of a bigger strategy to reorganize public spaces, reduce private car use, and make the city more pleasant to live in. Different city departments will work together to introduce changes gradually, monitoring them and adjusting as needed for the city's actual requirements.