The intervention proposals are rooted in the improvement of public spaces as places of transit, where pedestrians have a predominant role. Connecting various attraction points in the city will generate benefits in urban image, public health, sustainability, road safety, mobility, tourism, economic reactivation, among others.
Background
Like many countries across the globe, the majority of Mexican population is urban, having 78% of its population live in cities. Mexican cities have been dominated by motorized modes and recent estimates suggest an alarming trend in increased use of private cars. It is projected that the vehicle fleet in Mexico City may reach 6.5 million vehicles in 2030. Thus, challenges of traffic congestion and air pollution resulting especially from an old vehicles fleet and lack of investments in NMT experienced in Mexico City, are replicated throughout the country. Even though only 15% of all trips are made by private vehicles, cars account for 94% of the 4.7 million vehicles in Mexico City (ITF 2015).
Challenges
Most cities lack the necessary infrastructure to allow for safe pedestrian and cyclist trips, either due to poor conditions, poor road design, lack of signage or the inexistence of space allocated to pedestrians and cyclist. In addition, if the infrastructure exists, the space is commonly misused or obstructed, complicating possible trips and forcing users to occupy other road space. The increasing demand for mobility has led to congested streets, overcrowded public transport, and increased private vehicle ownership. Cars account for 81% of the vehicles involved in deaths and pedestrians account for 52% of road traffic deaths (ITF 2015).
Successes
To curb growing congestion, pollution and inequalities, many cities in Mexico have begun promoting non-motorized transport modes through the construction of routes and infrastructure networks, the establishment of bike sharing systems, educational and cultural programs for citizen socialization, among others. ‘ECOBICI’ launched in 2010, is the city’s public bike-sharing system, representing a convenient, environmentally friendly, and affordable mode of transport, being used for 40 percent of short- and medium distance daily trips within the city.
In 2019, the Share the Road programme collaborated with World Resources Institute (WRI) to support the Government of Mexico develop non-motorized transport policies in the cities of Aguascalientes and Oaxaca. In Aguascalientes state, the government has committed to the gradual implementation of 208
km of bicycle lanes in the metropolitan area of Aguascalientes City has been projected to be completed by May 2022. In Oaxaca, the government worked on various Non-Motorized Transport projects, to improve the accessibility and connectivity throughout the city through the establishment of new NMT routes that connect various attraction points and public spaces.
Similarly, the 2019 Strategic Mobility Plan for Mexico City recognizes the need for safe streets and the protection of its vulnerable users through urban design, the provision of adequate infrastructure, and education. The plan favors non-motorized transport policies, walkability, a stronger bike network, and a better integration of public transport.
