New Options for Cyclists
Beside my bed I have a carbon fiber Trek Mountain Bike. It is state of the art and almost as light as many road bikes like the ones used in the Tour de France. Technology has really improved cycling over the last fifteen years.
Cycling, especially off-road, has really become popular in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it is still really dangerous to ride on the main streets here because there are no bike lanes or ciclovías. Because of this I converted my mountain bike into stationary bike thanks to a tripod like device I use on the back wheel. It is rather boring pedaling like a hamster on a treadmill but at least I still get exercise and the feel of riding a bicycle. However, all is about to change to make cycling more pleasurable in Costa Rica.
Johnny Araya, the mayor of San José, just announced that a bike path will be built across San José along streets that are less traveled by automobiles, thus making it safer and easier to ride a bike through the capital. The bike lane will extend from the the Law School at the the University of Costa Rica in the eastern suburb of San Pedro to the Sabana Park in the west.
Mayor Araya said that the only thing lacking to start the project is authorization from the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation or MOPT. The cost of the project will be around $1 million.
This project together with the city’s new China Town, the Paseo Colón condominium projects, the proposed Urban Trolley and bus terminals on the outskirts of San José will definitely improve the quality of life in the city.
Many Retirees may reconsider living in or near the downtown area because of these imminent improvements.






