Santiago Celebrates 24KM Bike Lane, Breaks World Record with Giant Human Bicycle

Santiago Governor Claudio Orrego of the Metropolitan Region delighted an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 2,000 people at Parque O’Higgins with an exciting announcement. Speaking at the Bicycle Festival 2023, Orrego revealed plans to create 24 kilometers of bike lanes along the Alameda Axis, aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and ensuring safe cycling for residents and visitors.

The event, which featured the participation of well-known athletes and government officials including Sports Minister Jaime Pizarro, Israel Castro (National Director of the National Sports Institute), and Miguel Ángel Mujica (President of the Chilean Olympic Committee), showcased the significance of physical activity and sportsmanship in anticipation of the upcoming Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Governor Orrego emphasized the importance of constructing cities that cater to pedestrians and cyclists alike, declaring his commitment to the cause. “I will not rest as Governor until an eight-year-old child and an adult over 80 can ride their bicycles calmly and securely throughout the city,” he said.

Continuing on the same trajectory, Governor Orrego also revealed plans for the Alameda-Providencia project, which will feature an extended bicycle path adhering to high international standards. This path will stretch along the entire Alameda Axis, connecting Pajaritos to Maipú and Andrés Bello to Las Condes. With a total length of 24 kilometers, it is set to become the country’s longest and most prestigious cycle path.

The Bicycle Festival 2023 also showcased various recreational activities, but the highlight was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for constructing the largest standing human figure made entirely of bicycles. The festival served as a platform to unite cycling enthusiasts and promote the bicycle as not just a means of recreation and sport, but also as an instrument for sustainable mobility.

Governor Orrego concluded, “This festival provides us with a great opportunity to come together. The bicycle is more than just a tool for fun and games; it is also a catalyst for eco-friendly transportation.”

With the creation of 24 kilometers of bike lanes along the Alameda Axis, Santiago takes a significant step towards becoming a cyclist-friendly city, prioritizing the well-being of its residents and the environment.