Andorran Athlete Pushes for Cycling Infrastructure to Avert 2030 Traffic Crisis

Martí Lázaro, a 34-year-old Ordino resident and competitive mountain sports athlete, advocates for expanding cycling as a viable mobility option in Andorra to avoid severe traffic saturation by 2030.

In an interview, Lázaro highlighted the challenges cyclists face across all parishes, including steep terrain, harsh weather, heavy traffic, and limited space. He noted that while higher parishes like Ordino allow reasonable movement, descending to Andorra la Vella becomes difficult without an e-bike. He called for adapted buses to transport bicycles—currently scarce—and segregated bike lanes separate from cars and pedestrians.

For instance, he suggested widening the path along the river from Serrat to Escaldes-Engordany. In lower parishes, he criticised delays in the long-announced bike lane project, first publicised in 2024.

Lázaro argued that investing in cycling infrastructure would yield significant benefits: improved personal wellbeing through exercise, smoother school access, time and cost savings, and reduced emissions. He stressed the need for segregated lanes to counter hostility towards cyclists and proposed studying options for carrying two children on bikes, as permitted in places like Amsterdam, compared to Andorra's current limit of one via a special seat.

Drawing from his experience living in Vic, where cycling proved faster and cheaper than driving with no parking hassles, Lázaro believes cars are entrenched but bike-friendly zones could be integrated. He pointed to incentives like apps tracking kilometres for shop discounts or tax reductions on bikes in other countries.

"Andorra has the potential to do things differently," he said, warning that without action, saturation—already evident at peak times—will worsen by 2030.

To promote these ideas, Lázaro is organising the 'Manual de supervivència del ciclista urbà' event on Saturday at 5pm at Bici Lab.