The new controversial bike lane on Avd Jaime I in the Old Town is dividing opinion among neighbours, businesses and users. The bright red lane, which has only just been completed, runs down the middle of the road – even going straight through a newly constructed roundabout. The road leads up from the Poniente beach - and an extension of the bike lane is proposed to continue to the main train station.
But Councillor for Transport, Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate claims that the centre of the street is the safest place for cyclists… except when they have to cut across cars, buses and lorries to turn I should think!
A similar lane, running down the middle of the street is already in use in La Cala, bringing the towns bike lane total to 30 kilometres - and by Easter a further five will be in place. A €300,000 budget has also been granted by the Alicante Regional Government for the construction of a bike lane to link Albir with Benidorm – running from Villamar camping, past the Excalibur Castle and into the centre of Albir. Many residents and holidaymakers use bikes as a mode of transport and so the council is addressing this growing sector.
Both Benidorm and Albir actively promote the area for sports holidays – and the roads are often overrun with groups of lycra clad cyclists training from other countries. In September Benidorm will even host the penultimate stage of the Vuelta cycle race – a real honour. But whether placing bike lanes down the middle of the street is the safe and sensible option only time will tell.
Nearby Altea already has an unusual bike lane running along the promenade - which weaves in and out of restaurant terraces. But after many complaints by the owners to the Council they are gradually being re-routed. Wonder if the same will happen in Benidorm months down the line?
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