Rio slum to get bike path for the first time

The first slum in Rio to have a bike path will be the Favela da Maré, north of the city. The 22-kilometer path will connect the community to express bus services (known as BRT, for Bus Rapid Transit). The investment is estimated at $2.25 million and delivery is expected for next year, according to the local government.

“A huge part of the population living in [Favela da] Maré are already bikers. We're building the bike path to provide convenient, safe travel, while also improving quality of life,” explained Mayor Eduardo Paes.

On the cycling route are major roadways of such communities as Nova Holanda, Vila do João, and Conjunto Esperança. The project includes 2,000 bike racks to be built onto strategic, busier locations. For greater cyclist safety, extensive signage with signs and road markings will be used all along the path.

The project is part of a project called “Rio, Capital of Bikes”, launched following Rio 92, the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio. The summit discussed the importance of sustainable development and outlined environmental policies for the city, including promoting bicycles as a means of transport rather than just leisure, because of its minimal environmental impact.

Translated by Mayra Borges