Santa Cruz Bike Lane Proposal Sparks Debate Over City’s Cycling Master Plan

A proposal by Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Public Services Councilor, Carlos Tarife, to build a bike lane along the city’s Rambla has reignited the debate over sustainable transport. The plan aims to connect the pedestrian area between Las Tinajas and Avenida de Anaga, but the local cycling group, Tenerife por la Bici, remains skeptical.

Argelia Álvarez, a spokesperson for the group, argues that while any effort to promote cycling is positive, the city should prioritize the full implementation of the Cycling Network approved in 2023. This master plan outlines seven interconnected routes, which the association believes is a more effective approach than building isolated segments that fail to provide a continuous path for riders.

There is also a technical disagreement over the design. The city’s current proposal suggests placing bike lanes on sidewalks, whereas the 2023 plan calls for integrating bike lanes into the roadway. The association points out that this is a significant difference: the official plan aims to reduce traffic in the city center while keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrians.

Ultimately, Tenerife por la Bici believes there is a gap between these small-scale projects and the more effective mobility policies seen elsewhere in Europe. They warn that while adding bike lanes to pedestrian areas might reduce conflicts between cyclists and walkers, it is not enough to change commuting habits in a city that has historically struggled to meet modern sustainability standards.