Ecobreves – MEXICO: Surprise Award for Bicycle Program

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MEXICO CITY, Oct 20 2008 (IPS) - The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has recognized the Mexican capital's municipal government for its promotion of bicycle use, but cyclists and activists argue that it is not deserved. “They awarded the wrong city. Here, riding a bicycle continues to be risky,” Leonardo Torres, a participant in the campaigns and tours of the non-governmental group Bicitekas, told Tierramérica.

PAHO announced last week that Mexico City won the 2008 International Active Cities-Healthy Cities Contest, in the physical activity and recreation category, thanks to its “Muévete en bici” (move yourself on bike) program.

However, fewer than one percent of the trips inside the city are made on bicycle. By 2012 the goal is for that figure to reach five percent.