Mayor of Montevideo announces cycle path that will connect Cerro with 18 de Julio

By Ronnie Fernandez

The Municipality of Montevideo has launched an ambitious project that seeks to transform urban mobility in the city. This year, work will begin to build the so-called “cycle path to the west”, a section that will connect the historic Cerro neighborhood with the vibrant heart of the capital, Avenida 18 de Julio. Spanning approximately 11 kilometers, this initiative promises not only to improve cycling infrastructure, but also to promote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

A new boost to sustainable mobility

The project was announced by the administration of Mayor Mario Bergara, who has set the goal of increasing the city's bike lane network from the current 78 kilometers to 100 kilometers by the end of his term. This cycle path is the first step in a series of projects that seek to consolidate a more environmentally friendly transportation network.

The route will begin at the intersection of Camino Cibils and Carlos María Ramírez in El Cerro and will extend to the Center of Montevideo. In the Hill, it will connect with the existing bike path that goes to Paso de la Arena, while in the Center it will be integrated with the 18 de Julio Avenue bike path, thus facilitating the connection between the different areas of the city.

Route details and challenges

The preliminary design of the cycle path is already underway, although it still requires final validation. Patricia Abreu, head of the Mobility Planning area, explained that the route presents multiple challenges, since it must adapt to different types of pavement, sidewalks and unevenness in the terrain. This adaptation and planning process is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of cyclists.

“We do not yet know how much it will cost, since it involves combining many situations: pavement in good condition, sidewalks, and in some places, sidewalks with level differences that must be resolved,” Abreu detailed in his presentation before the Departmental Board last March.

Future projections for the cycle path network

In addition to the cycle path to the west, the Municipality of Montevideo is working on a Cycle Path and Bike Path Plan that will be presented in the coming months. This plan will define the projects to be developed during the current government period and will lay the foundations for future developments in the next administration.

The director of Mobility, Germán Benítez, announced that other possible works include cycle paths on Bulevar Artigas, from the Obelisco to the Rambla, and on Bulevar Batlle and Ordóñez, in a six-kilometer stretch. Likewise, projects are being evaluated on Coronel Raíz and José Pedro Varela streets, with sections that vary between 1,300 and 1,600 meters.

Impact on the community and long-term projection

With the construction of the cycle path to the west, the Municipality seeks not only to improve the infrastructure for cyclists, but also to encourage the use of bicycles as a means of transportation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce dependence on motor vehicles.

The impact of this project is expected to be significant, improving the quality of life of Montevideo residents and contributing to a greener and less congested city. The connection between neighborhoods through cycle paths not only facilitates daily transit, but also encourages greater social and cultural integration between different areas of the capital.

As the works progress and new projects are developed, Montevideo positions itself as a city that is committed to innovation and sustainability, always seeking to improve the quality of life of its citizens.