[sustran] Re: transit in Mexico city

[Carlos Cordero V.]

Dear Paula,

I think you make an interesting and well informed point.  We could
also agree that bike ways are not the entire solution for the city, however
It could play a
role as part of the solution for the cyclist, even if they are few in the
city. The fact is that they exist and as any other road user  they have
access and mobility needs . The distance in the
city from home to work is one matter and the distances for social and
shopping needs is another one.
 The other point is how much money and how easily this money goes for big
infraestrucutre projects which benefit only people who already have solution
for their transport needs. In this context is  easy to imagine that along
with a more organized  transport some space for cyclist is also needed or,
in other words, a more organized transport implies also a role for two and
three wheleers.
Best regards, Carlos   .
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paula Negron-Poblete" <p.negron-poblete at UMontreal.CA>
To: <sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org>
Sent: Jueves, 28 de Marzo de 2002 01:54 p.m.
Subject: [sustran] transit in Mexico city


hello everyone, it seemed I wasn`t registered on the list, anyway,
About the cycleways in Mexico city, as a person who has travelled in public
transport in this city, I think it's not the best solution. Unfortunately,
distances in Mexico are too important for being travelled by bike.
The "solution" of the DF government constructing a second floor is not new.
In
1995 (I was a master student) the authorities presented us the project and
even
at that time we thought it was the worst idea of the year (I don't
exagerate!).
We have to remember that the poorest people live far away from the center
(mainly in the east and south-east sectors of the city) and that they have
to
travel easily 25 km to their workplace (mainly at the north and center). I
think a more organized transport system it's a better solution. Of course,
subways are great, but anyone who knows the structural requirements of this
infrastructure, and the soil and economic conditions of the city knows it's
hard to do.

    Paula Negron
    Faculté de l'Aménagement
    Université de Montréal