The municipal government of Barakaldo, formed by the PNV and PSE parties, has announced the doubling of the so-called "friendly lanes" with the aim of extending bicycle use throughout the town center and strengthening sustainable mobility. This initiative, launched in 2022, promotes the shared use of vehicles and bicycles, giving greater visibility to the latter. In the coming days, this network will expand from 2.5 kilometers to 5.5 kilometers, adding three new kilometers.
The initial project, which involved an investment of approximately 400,000 euros and received support from participatory budgets, formed a ring from the back of the Courthouse building to the Botanical Garden. With this expansion, the goal is for bicycles to be able to travel "safely alongside other vehicles, promoting calmer, more respectful, and efficient traffic circulation."
“"This action consolidates an increasingly extensive and functional network for daily commutes."
The new route is structured through the neighborhoods of Rontegi, the city center, Beurko, and San Vicente, and will improve the connection with the bidegorri (bike path). The main circuit will connect the Dolores Ibarruri promenade bike lane via Landaburu square, running along Arrandi, Pormetxeta, Ramón y Cajal, and Portu streets. Additionally, a branch will be enabled from the Pormetxeta bifurcation, at the height of Auzolan square, which will link to the existing bike lane in Gernikako Arbola, passing through Auzolan square and San Juan, Aldapa, Juntas Generales, and La Bondad streets. It will then take the Miranda avenue roundabout, next to San Eloy hospital, towards San Vicente and Eguzkiagirre.
At the aforementioned roundabout, a second branch will emerge, connecting again with the Dolores Ibarruri promenade via Arauti street. This will create a double connection, on Portu and Arauti streets, with the bidegorri, which totals 22 kilometers in the locality. This project includes the signaling of a total of 2,900 meters on the roadway and has a budget of 8,707 euros. The work will be carried out at night to minimize traffic disruption.
“"The expansion of friendly lanes allows us to improve the safety of those who use bicycles and advance towards a more balanced coexistence in our streets."
Uria highlighted that these types of actions "are key to fostering healthier mobility habits, offering alternatives to private vehicle use, and contributing to improving air quality and well-being in Barakaldo." It should be remembered that the municipality has the most stations in the Bizkaibizi provincial network of electric bicycles, which covers the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and Bilbao. In a few days, it will reach 33 stations.
