BizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdeaBizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdea
EU|ES|EN
Diario Euskadi logo

Diario Euskadi

930 Kilometers by Bike to Demand Effective Implementation of the ELA Law

Jaime Lafita embarks on a new challenge to raise awareness about the situation of people affected by ALS and demand that all autonomous communities implement the law's provisions.

A cyclist on a long-distance road trip across Spain, with a blurred background of diverse Spanish landscapes, symbolizing a journey for a cause.
IA

A cyclist on a long-distance road trip across Spain, with a blurred background of diverse Spanish landscapes, symbolizing a journey for a cause.

Jaime Lafita has begun a 930-kilometer bicycle journey from Bilbao to Seville to highlight the situation of people with ALS and demand the effective application of the ELA Law.

Jaime Lafita has embarked on a new cycling challenge aimed at raising awareness for individuals affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The initiative, starting today, May 30th, and concluding on June 11th, will cover 930 kilometers, connecting Bilbao and Seville. This journey is organized in collaboration with the DalecandELA association.
The primary objective of this endeavor is to shed light on the circumstances of those living with ALS and to urge all autonomous communities to implement the aid stipulated by the law, which was approved in October 2024 with the goal of enhancing patients' quality of life.
According to a statement from DalecandELA, currently only Castilla y León, Asturias, the Valencian Community, La Rioja, and Bizkaia are providing the aid outlined by the law. The association warns that this disparity creates "territorial inequality," meaning access to resources and support depends on each patient's region of residence.
The organization explains that while some autonomous communities have started granting aid, others merely recognize a dependency level of "Grade III+" without yet having developed the corresponding support system. In some instances, they assert, this recognition has not even been activated.
In response to this situation, Jaime Lafita—an ALS patient who previously cycled across California's Death Valley two years ago to advocate for the law's approval—will now lead this new advocacy challenge accompanied by a group of volunteers. The route will pass through municipalities in the Basque Country, Castilla y León, Madrid, Extremadura, and Andalusia, where meetings will be held with institutional representatives, researchers, and individuals affected by the disease.
In addition to demanding the immediate application of the ELA Law nationwide, the initiative will also call for the transfer of protocols already implemented in some communities to those that have not yet developed their aid programs. Furthermore, they will advocate for the urgent establishment of training programs for caregivers and increased public investment in research for the disease.

Related News