The Colombian capital of Bogotá is opening 76km (47 miles) of temporary bike lanes to reduce crowding on public transport and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), as well as to improve air quality.
A statement from the Mayor’s Office said: “The bicycle, being an individual means of transport, represents one of the most hygienic alternatives for the prevention of the virus, especially in this first preventive stage in which it is recommended to avoid close contact and crowds.”
Mayor Claudia López said Bogotá is facing a “triple threat” of poor air quality, seasonal respiratory illnesses and now the coronavirus, which could put too much strain on the healthcare system. “We can’t withstand that pressure,” she is quoted as saying in a video posted on Twitter. Bogotá recently topped the list of cities most impacted by traffic congestion in Inrix’s Global Traffic Scorecard.
New York has also seen a surge in biking due to the COVID-19 outbreak. NYC’s Department of Transportation said it had seen a 50 per cent increase in cycling on all East River Bridges, compared to 2019 figures.
