The Councils of Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi are joining forces and bowing to public pressure by creating a bike lane to link the two towns. The stretch of road from Villamar camping leading into Albir, past the Magic Excalibur Medieval resort is one taken by many bikers, yet has no dedicated lane.
In fact, there is no pavement for pedestrians either so maybe they´ll add one of those too.Benidorm has a red bike lane running alongside the pavement, starting outside Benidorm Palace and heading all the way to the traffic lights at the junction of the N332, and would like to extend this to Albir.
Neighbouring Altea has a blue bike lane running alongside the promenade – although somewhat contentious. Thankfully the council have agreed to re-route the bike path following a number of meetings with owners of businesses along the front.
At present the blue bike path weaves in and out, crossing over the terraces of several bars and restaurants – causing problems to the waiters who have to look both ways before stepping out with trays of food and drink for fear of being run over... it has happened!
The motion for the new project was passed at the last council session in Benidorm, allocating funds from the 2016 budget and for planned work to commence in January 2016. However, the 2.8km stretch of road where the proposed bike lane is to be built belongs to the regional government and so their permission has to be sought first. With both Villamar and La Colina camping situated just off the CV 753 Albir to Benidorm road, it certainly attracts a lot of bikers, popping into Albir for their provisions.
But what is rather confusing to car drivers is the signage, stating that you must allow a 1.5 metre space when overtaking a cyclist. However, technically this would mean you are breaking the law as you would be crossing over a solid white line!
Wonder what the police would make of that…. I don´t intend to try in the name of research though!
