Torrevieja’s Town Hall has confirmed the cancellation of a bicycle lane project valued at one million two hundred and forty-five thousand six hundred and three euros. The initiative aimed to create safe pedestrian routes for the Acequión and Cuba schools, along with a crucial bicycle lane along the avenue of Monge and Bielsa, which would connect local sports facilities. Additional bicycle lanes totalling four thousand eight hundred and sixty metres were also planned to run along the northern coastal façade of the urban area.

Despite the growing demand for cycling infrastructure, the city has minimal existing bicycle lanes. The intended upgrades included expanding pavements around the schools to accommodate the rising number of students and families opting for cycling or electric scooters for mobility. This project was expected to enhance safety for pedestrians.

However, the local government has now decided to abandon the initiative due to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility rejecting proposed changes that would require modifications to the tender documents. The announcement revealed that the municipality also lacks sufficient funds to proceed independently with the project.

In a press conference, Federico Alarcón, the council member for the governing board, claimed that the funding would not be lost but redirected to other European projects. He cited the planned renovations at Cuba school as a reason for the project’s cancellation, as they would alter the initial plan. This, however, comes amidst urgent demands to address the condition of various schools in the municipality, with several requiring immediate replacement.