These actions are the result of the commitments made in the “Declaration for Mérida 2050” and of the joint work between the State Government and the City of Mérida.
The first stage consists of the painting and installation of reflective buttons and then it will continue with the exclusive confinement of lanes for cyclists when the bicycle lanes are inaugurated.
The Institute for Mobility and Urban Territorial Development (IMDUT) reported that the Ciclovías Infrastructure Plan for Mérida, which considers the construction of 71.7 kilometers of this type of roads for the Yucatecan capital, is in its first stage of execution that consists of the delimitation and reorganization of the road space in the areas where they will be installed.
The director of the agency, Aref Karam Espositos, reported that this first stage consists of painting and installing reflective buttons and then will continue with the exclusive confinement of lanes for cyclists when the bicycle lanes are inaugurated.
As has been reported, these actions are the result of the commitments made in the “Declaration for Mérida 2050” and of the joint work between the administration of Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal and that of Mayor Renán Barrera Concha.
The areas considered in this joint project are Paseo de Montejo-Entronque Dzibilchaltún, 15 kilometers; Northeast Zone, 21.15 kilometers, North of Mérida – Ucú, 15.5 km and South Zone, 20 kilometers.
In general and simultaneously in all the aforementioned areas, work is already being carried out on the layout and redistribution of the road space that will allow to clearly indicate the space destined for each user: motorists, public transport, bicycle lanes (confined), cycle -lanes, pedestrian crossings and the provision of ramps.
He explained that the second stage will consist of the installation of special signage, as well as the intervention of intersections to delimit the bicycle lanes and keep them free from circulation and parking of cars, since these points will be for the exclusive use of cyclists.
Other points of the new infrastructure for the exclusive use of cyclists will be implemented as “cycle lanes” where reflective buttons will not be placed, but reflective paint will be placed instead so that they are perfectly identifiable, this in response to the specific characteristics of each section to optimize space and provide greater security for all road users, he said.
The official explained that, in turn, the duly designated “shared lanes” may be used by both cyclists and motor vehicles to transit.
“The reconditioning of the ridges and ramps for people with disabilities is also considered so that people who use wheelchairs and strollers can cross the avenues in a safer way”, he added.
Subsequently, once the infrastructure that is currently in charge of the Institute for the Construction and Conservation of Public Works in Yucatán (INCCOPY) has been fully concluded, in a third stage the implementation of the plan will begin and from there, spaces will be created for the exclusive use of cyclists, which must be respected by users of motor vehicles.
These efforts must be made jointly between government and society to improve mobility in general, since they represent the first steps to a comprehensive system with better traffic flow and safe spaces for the most vulnerable users, particularly bicycle users and pedestrians, reducing accidents and building a more humane city.
He recalled that this project complies with the guidelines established by the Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility (PIMUS) of the Yucatecan capital, a strategic planning document to establish an integrated system of sustainable urban mobility that contributes to the right of all citizens to the city, as well how to satisfy the mobility needs of people, goods and services in the Yucatecan capital and its metropolitan area.
This document was initiated during the management of the governor Mauricio Vila Dosal when he was still at the head of the City Council and was consolidated by the current Merida mayor Renán Barrera Concha.
It is a comprehensive project, he explained, that will provide security to all users, mainly the pedestrian and the cyclist, that is why it is important for everyone’s safety, to wait to use the bicycle lanes that are fully formed to ensure their proper use.
Finally, he indicated that the plan is accompanied by a dissemination campaign so that all citizens can identify the signage and move towards a safe road coexistence in the Yucatecan capital and its metropolitan area.
Source: YAM
