Traffic authorities in Havana are working on a new project to establish exclusive lanes for motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds across ten corridors with a high concentration of traffic and accidents.
According to the official newspaper Granma, the Provincial Road Center is leading the technical study, which covers the main avenues of the capital, including signalized intersections with high traffic volumes.
María Caridad Álvarez Quintero, director of the Center and president of the road safety subcommittee, explained that traffic data is being updated on the selected axes, as well as the overall condition of the roads, pavement, sidewalks, drainage, signage, lighting, and the functioning of traffic lights.
A diagnosis of the existing bike lanes is also conducted, and new route proposals are explored in order to ease congestion on major arteries and improve road safety for light vehicles.
In the case of the roadway axis Calle 23 – Calle 28 – Avenida 41, one of the proposals includes synchronizing traffic lights and implementing nighttime flashing to reduce fuel consumption, minimize delays, and improve overall traffic flow.
The study proposes three possible alternatives for reorganizing traffic flow, based on the behavior of combustion motorcycles, electric motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycles, although it has not been reported when these will be implemented or what resources will be available for their execution.
Recently, the Ministry of Transport announced the arrival of 100 air-conditioned minibuses with a capacity for 14 passengers, aimed at strengthening the public transportation system in Havana, which has been facing a critical situation for years.
Although they are presented as an alternative to relieve the pressure on the most affected routes, these vehicles will cover the existing itineraries of the well-known "gazelles," many of which are out of service due to prolonged technical failures.
Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila explained on Facebook that the new microbuses, currently in the preparation phase, were acquired with resources generated by state export companies in the transportation sector, particularly in civil aviation.
However, the public transport crisis in Havana has reached a critical point, with canceled routes, vehicles out of service, and a population increasingly frustrated by the lack of concrete solutions.
One of the most alarming cases is the collapse of the so-called "gacelas", which have repeatedly vanished from various areas of the city due to a lack of fuel, leaving entire communities without alternatives for mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exclusive Motorcycle Lanes Project in Havana
What does the new project for exclusive lanes in Havana propose?
The new project in Havana proposes the creation of exclusive lanes for motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds on ten corridors with a high concentration of traffic and accidents. The goal is to ease congestion on important arteries and improve road safety for light vehicles.
What measures are being considered to improve road safety in Havana?
To enhance road safety, traffic data is being updated, and the condition of roads, pavement, sidewalks, drainage, signage, lighting, and traffic lights is being evaluated. One of the proposals includes the synchronization of traffic lights and the use of nighttime flashing to reduce fuel consumption and improve traffic flow.
What are the challenges for the implementation of exclusive lanes in Havana?
One of the main challenges is the lack of information regarding when the lanes will be implemented and what resources will be available for their execution. Additionally, the energy crisis and the poor condition of the road infrastructure further complicate this task.
How does the energy crisis affect road safety in Havana?
The energy crisis in Havana has led to blackouts that affect the operation of traffic lights, increasing the risk of accidents at busy intersections. The lack of proper signage and frequent outages are key factors that worsen road safety in the city.
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