Bogotá has recently been recognized by various international media in everything related to bicycles, from road infrastructure to the best places to ride the 'metal horse'.
To better understand why the Colombian capital is so special in international eyes, Portal Bogotá contacted the Danish Ambassador, Erik Høeg, representative of one of the city's main sustainable mobility partner nations.
According to the Ambassador, one of the main details that stands out about the Colombian capital is its love for bicycles. "Something that surprised me since I arrived was the affection that Bogotanos and Bogotanas have for the bike, which they truly celebrate, especially on Sundays," he says.
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One of the key bicycle plans in Bogotá is undoubtedly the ciclovía on Sundays and holidays, an event in which several of the main roads are specially adapted to be used by pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, several recreational activities such as live performances, educational workshops, and even comparsas - groups of performing singers, musicians, and dancers- are also held.
Below is an audio of the Ambassador talking about his perspective on the ciclovía since arriving in Bogotá:
A main element that the Ambassador highlights is the enthusiasm displayed by citizens when they get on a bike and enjoy riding a detail that - according to him - is something that the Danes should focus on in their lifestyle. "I would like us in Denmark to think of cycling in a more emotional and not just practical way."
Here, an audio of the Ambassador talking about the most important details of the activities related to bike use in Bogotá:
Additionally, the Ambassador emphasizes that, although there are still aspects to improve, the city's road infrastructure for bike riders is evolving day by day and, with that, it also becomes another incentive for people to be more inclined to use this means of transportation.
"My experience using a bike here has been very positive and it keeps getting better and better. I can see the changes that the city's infrastructure is gradually undergoing and I hope that it will soon be able to include all areas of Bogotá," said the Ambassador.
It is precisely the progress in the projects that the Ambassador highlights about the city, as he considers that there is a great potential to be explored.
"In Copenhagen, everyone is used to moving around the entire city at all hours by bike, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. I am sure that this is something that could be achieved here in Bogotá," says the diplomat.
From the experience of the Danish capital, the Ambassador said that investing in bicycle infrastructure is not only a way to help the environment, but also an option to contribute to the welfare of citizens by providing safe spaces for their transit.
As the Ambassador points out, the process may be a long one, but the results are entirely valuable and possible for a city like Bogotá that shares so many common interests and efforts with Denmark. "I have no doubt, as the subject is developing here in Colombia, in Bogotá, that in the future we will look to you to give us new inspiration and improve ourselves as well," he says.
The bike-share system "will be a wonderful thing."
In Bogotá, the public bicycle sharing system began operating, through which the city receives more than a thousand bicycles, both mechanical and electric, for public use by citizens. Regarding this launch, the Ambassador stated that it is a very special occasion.
"We introduced bike sharing many years ago and the truth is that it is a wonderful thing that it is being adapted in Bogotá. This system will facilitate the use of bicycles for people who for one reason or another would not have access to them," the Ambassador explained.
Another benefit highlighted by the diplomat was the role of bicycles in the multimodal system, since the possibility of connecting their use to the vicinity of the integrated transportation system, which now has electric buses, would also mean a great contribution to sustainable mobility in the city.
Finally, he asserted that this system will also be one of the most entertaining ways in which foreigners will be able to get to know Bogotá’s great tourist potential.
"For tourists who want to see Bogotá in a very pleasant way, they will be able to tour it by bike without any excuse. Personally, I recommend visiting La Candelaria, I have already done it and it was an incredible experience", concludes the Ambassador.
Here is a video of the Danish Ambassador, Erik Høeg, inviting all citizens to make use of the new Bogotá Bike Sharing System:
