Valencia plans more people-friendly routes for a sustainable future. This will bring a greener approach to city living. Grand plans path and pave the road to a more sustainably connected city. Daniel Hazelhoff reports…
This week marks the start of a new bicycle path on General Avilés. It is in accordance with recent sustainable development trends in Valencia, and Europe as a whole. Once completed this new path will reach from Pío Baroja up to the Avenida del Maestro Rodrigo in Campanar. It will be 690m long, and 2.3m wide, allowing for a safe, two-way path.
Valencia plans more people-friendly routes for a sustainable future. In particular, this large capital expenditure project will bring Valencia to the forefront of sustainable cities in Europe and, indeed, the world.
This project also entails the development of pedestrian walkways and spaces. “Especially in the intersection connecting General Avilés and La Calle De Terrateig. Here, we will move the bicycle path from the sidewalk to the pavement. And reduce the crossing length connecting the streets,” says Guiseppe Grezzi, councillor for sustainable mobility.
The neighbourhood of Campanar will gain 2,089m of interconnected cycling paths.
The project also involves the removal of traffic lights on Calle De Terrateig, giving pedestrians priority.
Grupo Bertolín SAU, the company behind the construction, has charged the Ayuntamiento €183,517.14 for the project and it expects work to last for two months and three weeks.
Another cycling path connecting General Avilés will run up to la Avenida De Pío XII, through Avenida De Las Corts Valencianas, between Pío XII and la Calle De La Safor. This project is also under development by Bertolín and will cost €362,715.65. However, a large part of this sum (€167,832.99) will come from IDAE (Funds for Regional Development in the European Union).
With these two projects, the neighbourhood of Campanar will gain 2,089m of interconnected cycling paths.
Valencia plans more people-friendly routes for a sustainable future
A separate project developing San Vincente Mártir to la Calle de Marvà and Plaza España will span 375m. This development is due to start in the week commencing 17 January 2022. This project is also in the hands of Bertolín. It has cost €226,839.63 including IVA and it should last for about two months. Although Bertolin believes it can shave a week off.
This path will also host a two-way lane, like the others. It will have an average width of 2.5m, allowing for safe passage.
Valencia plans more people-friendly routes for a sustainable future. These paths hope to create a deeper, and greener connection throughout Valencia. They are working towards a more sustainable view on city life. It seems Valencia is taking an example from successfully sustainable cities such as Copenhagen, or Amsterdam, in regards to travel and transport.
These new incentives such as bicycle paths, the new one-size-fits-all ticket for public transport, and the pedestrianisation of large areas of the cities are making an impact. They have locals and travellers alike, tying their shoelaces and stretching their legs to get around town. The increase in foot traffic and reduction in automobile traffic has its crosshairs on a healthier environment. It aims to improve Valencian’s quality of life. And plans to line up Valencia’s priorities with those leading to greener and more sustainable movements.
Valencia: A City of Plazas
Valencia has seen many projects aimed towards the development of greener areas, and more sustainable landscapes these past years. Now, a new project has arisen. The pedestrianisation of Plaza Sainetista Arniches, between Metro stations Nou d’Octubre and Mislata. The project intends to provide the area with “services, equipment, and elements, worthy of a top-quality public space. As well as improving the green spaces in the square,” says Sandra Gómez, deputy mayor and head of development and urban renewal. This project is a part of the larger project ‘València a City of Plazas’. This aims to create “more attractive and comfortable spaces for residents,” says Gómez.
The project’s estimated budget currently stands at €426,000 and will take four months of development.
Plaza Sainetista Arniches will benefit from repaving, and accessibility will improve. Terraces and slopes are part of the plan . “The project re-defines the space as completely pedestrian. Although emergency vehicles, residents, and loading/unloading merchant vehicles may also enter,” adds Gómez.
“The Soternes neighbourhood will gain a new plaza of over 1,600 square metres,” says Gómez.
In the centre of the square will be a landscaped area. It’s to be made up of a green space that will house existing trees, as well as new ones that the contractor will plant.
The contractor will build new water fountains, bicycle parking and park benches, and put tables in the space. New pedestrian walkways more than 3m in width will run next to residential homes and local shops. They will connect to Calle Cieza, following down into the Parque de Cabecera, according to Gómez.
“With this project, the Soternes neighbourhood will gain a new plaza of over 1,600 square metres,” says Gómez.
These projects all lead to a greener and more connected Valencia. They give bicycle routes that allow all to enjoy, and bask in, the beauty of the city. From the centre to parks, to the beaches, Valencia is day by day developing its sustainable travel networks throughout the city.
Valencia plans more people-friendly routes for a sustainable future. These developments will bring a greater quality of life for all.
