New National Network Promotes Cycling in Mexico

Posted: 24 Jun 2008

Related to: Mexico City Bicycle Planning, Planning & Advocacy for Cycling & Walking, Mexico
Contributed by: Bernardo Baranda Sepúlveda

The Urban and Tourist Cycling Network, a national effort to promote cycling in Mexico, was founded during the first Urban Cycling Congress.  Twenty organizations from over ten cities attended, agreeing that one of the first objectives of the network will be to propose and advocate for legal and institutional reforms to include cycling as a priority in the national transport policy agenda.  The Congress was held from June 4th to the 8th in Mexico City, formerly know for its air pollution and now more and more being known for its leading efforts in sustainable transportation.

Cities, such as Guadalajara and Xalapa, from all over Mexico presented on their projects. (Source: Bernardo Baranda)

In addition to establishing this national network, the Congress also offered cities a chance to share their ideas and plans for cycling promotion, to hear experts discuss the latest in the field, and work through specific design issues.  Organizations from Guadalajara, Puebla, Morelia, Xalapa, and Cancún unveiled some of the projects on which they are working with local authorities and other groups to increase bicycle use and non-motorized transport in general.

The first urban cycling congress took place in the Spanish Cultural Center. (Source: Bernardo Baranda)

Alfonso Sanz, the famous Spanish urbanist and author of “The Bicycle in the City” and “Traffic Calming,” presented on how to make bicycle use safer with and without dedicated bike lanes.  Amarilis Horta shared her experience promoting cycling in Chile as a form of culture.  From the ciudadciclista blog, Esteban Garcia spoke about how cyclists are safer when they are treated as drivers of vehicles, and Jimmy Lizama spoke about his bicycle kitchen project in Los Angeles, California.

ITDP Senior Technical Advisor Tom Bertulis helps a group member present their workshop designs for intersections. (Source: Bernardo Baranda)

ITDP, one of the organizers of the Congress, held an intersection design workshop given by Tom Bertulis. Intersections are where the most accidents and fatalities occur for cyclists.  The hands-on workshop explored possible solutions to incorporating bicycles into intersection design. 

Using a consensus process led by Xavier Treviño of ITDP and Mariana Orozco of Colectivo Ecologista Jalisco, the attendees agreed to create the National Urban and Tourist Cycling Network that will facilitate information exchange, as well as be a communications platform between the different organizations.  A blog will be launched soon to keep information flowing between the members and the general public about the initiatives and progress made. The next Urban Cycling Congress will be held in the City of Guadalajara in May 2009.

The Congress had interactive group designing sessions for intersections. (Source: Bernardo Baranda)