Bike Routes Developed in Quito
With global warming becoming more of a concern, modes of transport that aren’t reliant on fossil fuels are constantly being promoted. Few people, however, look at the humble bicycle as a solution to their transport problems. Now it seems that the people of Quito will be able to get on their bikes and make the most of this cheap and efficient form of transport. And if you’re visiting the city, you can certainly join them as you discover the many wonderful sights in Quito.
Recently Quito gained its very first cycle route. The route winds through the northern side of the capital and runs for a length of some 11 km (around 7 miles). It was established in order to promote alternative modes of transport in Ecuador and there are currently plans to extend the route to cover about 120 km (75 miles) over the course of the next two years. The route has provided cyclists living and working in the area with a safer way to get to their various destinations, and is also a fantastic way for tourists to explore the city.
The new cycle route initiative has cost the municipality of Quito some $1.2 million, but fans of the form of transport sure wont be complaining. The route, which is called ‘Circlo-Q’, runs between the Trolebus transport system terminus, which is not far from the airport, and the end of Parque El Ejido. The next section that has been planned for development will likely run through the historic center of the city, and the third section should take cyclists to the southern districts of Quito.
According to Andres Vallejo, the director of the Corporacion Vida para Quito, there are already 71 kilometers of cycle paths in the city. The plan was not to replace these, but rather to provide an interconnecting network of cycling paths. Vallejo said: “We aim to join up the various routes. Cycling is a great alternative for the capital.” Not only does cycling present and cheap and effective means of transport, but it is friendly to the environment and a healthy form of exercise for commuters. The new Circlo-Q route was developed in conjunction with Ciclopolis, a cycling foundation that works closely with cyclists in the city and regularly organizes big cycling events. No doubt, the information provided by this organization was a big help in making the cycling route as beneficial to users as possible.
