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Nighttime hazards plague Mexico City's Tlalpan bike lane
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Nighttime hazards plague Mexico City's Tlalpan bike lane

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Cyclists using the La Gran Tenochtitlan bike lane in Mexico City report nighttime obstacles including poor lighting, sex workers obstructing the path, and water accumulation after rain.
  • Some cyclists also noted issues with riders going the wrong way and motorcyclists occasionally entering the dedicated lane.
  • Despite these concerns, the head of government recently declared the bike lane a success, stating it has democratized the avenue.

Nighttime cycling on Mexico City's La Gran Tenochtitlan bike lane presents significant challenges for users, according to daily riders. The primary concerns include a lack of adequate lighting in certain sections, making cyclists difficult to see and increasing the risk of accidents.

I think the main problem is that many of those who use the track at night do not use lights, and, well, that makes them less visible, it's dangerous for ourselves and for the pedestrians who cross it.

— AlbertoA cyclist describing the dangers of poor visibility on the bike lane at night.

Beyond visibility issues, cyclists report that sex workers often occupy the lane after 10 p.m., sometimes blocking passage and becoming confrontational when asked to move. While one cyclist reported no personal aggression, others have faced verbal abuse and threats from these individuals.

Now there are several who go the wrong way, now imagine without lights and in the wrong direction, it's a danger, you don't see him or he doesn't see you and you can have a head-on collision.

— AlbertoA cyclist highlighting the increased risk posed by cyclists using the wrong direction without lights.

Further complicating nighttime travel are persistent water accumulation in specific areas, particularly after rainfall, forcing cyclists to navigate "water mirrors." The presence of motorcyclists occasionally invading the dedicated lane adds another layer of danger.

Later at night, when there are fewer people, the girls get into the lane and are there, talking to motorists and you go by and they don't move aside even a little, and, well, say something to them... They pick a fight, they gang up on you.

— CarlosA resident describing how sex workers obstruct the bike lane.

These issues contrast with recent statements from the head of government, Clara Brugada Molina, who described the Tlalpan bike lane as a success that has democratized the avenue. She asserted that criticisms of the project have been forgotten, highlighting its widespread use by thousands of people.

Yes, it happens, for example, near Villa de Cortés heading north or near Viaducto, there are two areas where it always puddles, it's not that I can't ride there or it doesn't puddle in other areas, but we are talking about a project that has been months in the making, right?

— SantiagoA delivery driver discussing the issue of water accumulation on the bike lane.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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