generation
A bicycle in Guazapa is a means of transport that can be used anytime, anywhere, whether to go to the store, to the market, to work or school, and of course to have fun.
Since bicycles are now commonplace there, it is hoped that such a project can serve as a model for the rest of El Salvador.
There are 14 departments and 262 municipalities across the country, but so far only 12 municipalities have approved ordinances to promote bicycles.
Salgueiro expects Guazapa’s efforts to continue. He wants future generations to embrace modes of transportation that contribute to health and the economy of the family.
Volkswagen bike
Along with the Council of Women Cyclists, the city organized a massive cycling event to raise awareness and respect for cyclists among motorists.
“By 2023, we want to have wider bike lanes,” he said. “With this, people help take care of our environment. We want to implement bike parking in education centers.”
Salguero also hopes that the Department of Transportation can help organize mass cycling events across the country.
In fact, there are signs that others are taking notice of Guazapa’s success. On August 27, 2020, the Legislative Assembly approved the Framework Law on the Use and Promotion of Bicycles as Transport in El Salvador.
The central government has so far opened bike lanes and started limiting cars to 30km/h on some roads, hoping it will be the maximum speed limit for municipalities that have approved municipal ordinances.
break the norm
Rosa Isabel Trejo just finished her second bike repair and assembly workshop. She has a 17-year-old daughter who is blind and has cerebral palsy.
Rosa learned about the seminars through television coverage. She now owns her own bike shop, providing her with a source of income while taking care of her daughter.
Jesús López, coordinator of the “Sin Bicicleta No Hay Planeta” program, listed three basic components of the program: cooperation with municipalities, cooperation with educational centers, and activities to engage women.
He said the program had succeeded in inspiring women to break out of the box, earn much-needed income and gain some financial independence.
“Young people from education centres are demanding the right to travel safely by bicycle, and people in the municipality are responding. The municipality is now promoting cycling to work, shopping or just leisurely cycling,” he added.
Many women in Guazapa are benefiting from cycling through CESTA’s program, but they are increasingly demanding more action from municipalities for safer bike spaces, including better, cyclist-friendly spaces road sign.
courage
“The National Civil Police provided security for us to carry out our activities. Radio Guazapa and the House of Culture promoted these spaces,” Pacas said. “The people who accompany us on our bikes are safe.”
Pacas also noted how much the projects helped her develop new skills while breaking the stereotype that cycling-related jobs can only be done by men.
“What I dislike and stress me the most is fitting the spokes to the bike, but removing, lubricating, and understanding each piece has become very enjoyable and important.
“As a woman, it’s unacceptable to say that I’ve soiled myself, or that I’ve broken my nails, because we’ve even soiled our faces. “We women have to face all these challenges and embrace them bravely. ”
this author
Saúl Martínez is an El Salvadoran writer and journalist.
