UPDATED May 12, 2009

BY The TDA Team

IN South American Epic

no comments

UPDATED May 12, 2009

BY The TDA Team

IN South American Epic

no comments

Biking in Quito

406

Sunday May 3rd, marked the sixth anniversary of the Ciclopaseo.  Originally it would take place on the last Sunday of each month, but at the anniversary celebration last week the Mayor, Andres Vallejo, announced it will now happen every Sunday. The event was originally designed to promote the use of the bicycle as a means of public transport in the city of Quito, where the main avenue, Rio Amazonas, is closed to motorized traffic between the airport and the plaza in the Old Town, almost 30km of road.  But the effect has been that the road has been given back to the people.  It’s not just cyclists; rollerbladers, baby carriages, skateboarders, joggers, pedestrians, vendors, street performers and even marching bands are participating in the enjoyment of a car free zone in the heart of the city centre. The event has been coordinated by Diego Puente, founder of Ciclopolis, a politically active organization for cycle advocacy and environmental protection.  Their other projects include an “earn a bike program” for underprivileged children, women specific cycling classes, rental bikes, cultural bike tours and installation of bike racks throughout the city.  The Ciclopaseo is extremely well organized with hundreds of police and volunteers at each intersection directing traffic, there are water stations and bike repair stations every few kilometers.  Recreation improves the health of the people, eliminating fossil fuel emissions reduces urban smog, but most importantly it’s a lot of fun. Every city in the world could benefit from the model they have created here. On Sunday Dec 6th, after cycling nearly 13,000km, from Rio de Janeiro, the inaugural expedition of the Vuelta Sudamericana will roll into Quito.  The finish line for this 134 day cycling adventure will be at the Arc in El Ejido Park.  After exploring the South American continent by bike, these intrepid cyclists will be welcomed and congratulated by all the non motorized enthusiasts at the Ciclopaseo.  

Leave a Comment for "Biking in Quito"

Your Email address will not published. Required fields are marked

REGISTER NOW!