Arco Advances Light Mobility with New Cycling and Pedestrian Routes
Day after day, the opportunities to move around safely for those who believe that cycling is one of the most effective remedies to combat environmental damage and the inconveniences caused by the excessive use of cars and scooters that we are almost compelled to do, become more solid and confirm in Arco the role of a city respectful of nature and the health of residents and visitors, who choose it for vacations in the greenery.
Even before becoming a binding document, the light traffic plan has indeed been implemented to create a protected route for cyclists, particularly reserved for students who from Oltresarca intend to reach the Nicolò d’Arco middle school, allowing them to avoid the busiest streets by using structures designed specifically for bicycles in a more regular way.
The pedestrian and cycling bridge and restrictions on motor vehicles
We refer to the pedestrian and cycling bridge that for a couple of years has connected the two banks of the Sarca River, a few hundred meters north of the old bridge. This allows cyclists and pedestrians to avoid the busier roads and, while waiting for the extension of the trail towards Moletta, Ceniga, and Dro, temporarily unloads users directly at the intersection of viale Santoni and viale San Francesco, which goes up towards the Cappuccini friars’ convent.
Beyond this point, motorized vehicles will no longer be allowed, except for the few residents, as the municipal road that continues along the wall of the convent has been closed to engines and is only accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.
The city councilor for traffic and the environment, Fabrizio Miori, explained that the transformation of the municipal road that continues along viale San Francesco is part of the minor road segments included in the light mobility plan, which is being developed by engineer Giuliano Trentini. It was decided to implement it early to facilitate access to middle school for cycling students.
Measures for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists
To bypass the risk associated with children crossing viale Santoni, and also to experiment without risks the popularity of the approach — the closure of the municipal road was approved by both community assemblies, which discussed it in Massone and S. Martino.
Before considering installing a request-activated traffic light, it was decided to have a «grandpa traffic warden» supervise the pedestrian crossing, who will remain on duty for a few more days until the arrival of autumn, which will discourage bike use.