Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Remove Controversial Bicycle Lane Following Court Ruling

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Council has made the decision to dismantle a contentious bicycle lane after a recent ruling by the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands. This development has sparked discussions among local officials, residents, and advocacy groups.

Insights into the Court’s Decision

On Saturday, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez announced that the bicycle lane situated along El Pilar and Villalba Hervás streets will be removed. This decision follows the court’s dismissal of an appeal filed by the local council, which sought to continue the project despite a provisional suspension imposed by the court.

The court’s ruling has been a significant victory for the neighborhood association El Perenquén, which has been vocal in its opposition to the bike lane. Construction of the lane began in October 2024 and was completed shortly thereafter, with an initial opening date set for June. However, the project has faced numerous legal hurdles, preventing it from being launched as planned.

Legal Consequences for the Local Government

The court’s ruling has far-reaching implications for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Council. It emphasized that the Council cannot rely on legal provisions to carry out actions that have been explicitly prohibited by the court. According to the ruling, the regulations that could potentially allow for the establishment of bicycle lanes are not self-applicable and necessitate mediation through an official ordinance.

Moreover, the court highlighted that the Council’s Mobility Ordinance had been annulled due to its failure to comply with legal standards, as determined in a prior ruling last March. The TSJC criticized the Council’s rationale for activating the bike lane, which was based on claims of special circumstances concerning traffic flow and restrictions. The court found these arguments to be inadequate and lacking in substantiation.

In a particularly pointed remark, the ruling stated, “It is not understood why an ordinance was agreed to be drafted in this regard,” indicating a clear skepticism about the Council’s justification for the bike lane project.

Local Officials Weigh In on the Situation

In response to the court’s decision, Mayor Bermúdez expressed his frustration during a media statement. He articulated that the Council cannot afford to wait indefinitely for final court decisions to dictate their actions. He emphasized that there are legitimate reasons for Santa Cruz, like any major city in Spain, to have a bicycle lane, citing the need for improved urban mobility and environmental sustainability.

Despite his support for the bike lane, Bermúdez acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing its removal to mitigate the impact on local businesses and residents, particularly with the Christmas season approaching. He confirmed that the Council intends to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, although the dismantling of the bike lane will proceed as long as it remains unopened or incomplete due to judicial orders.

Patricia Hernández, the spokesperson for the PSOE, voiced her criticism of the Council’s decision to continue appealing the court’s rulings. She suggested that their actions reflect a disregard for public sentiment and a lack of accountability to the community. Hernández’s comments highlight the growing divide between local officials and residents who are concerned about the implications of the bike lane’s removal.

Community Reactions and Future Implications

The community’s response to the court’s ruling and the Council’s subsequent actions has been mixed. Some residents and local businesses have expressed relief at the decision to dismantle the bike lane, citing concerns about potential disruptions and safety issues. Others, however, view the removal as a setback for sustainable transportation initiatives in the city.

Advocacy groups for cycling and environmental sustainability have voiced their disappointment, arguing that the bike lane was a crucial step toward promoting greener transportation options in Santa Cruz. They contend that the city should be investing in infrastructure that supports cycling as a viable mode of transportation, rather than dismantling it due to legal challenges.

As the situation develops, the future of cycling infrastructure in Santa Cruz de Tenerife remains uncertain. The Council’s decision to appeal the court ruling may lead to further legal battles, while the community continues to grapple with the implications of the court’s decision on urban mobility and environmental initiatives.

Key points

• The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Council plans to dismantle a controversial bike lane following a court ruling.
• The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands upheld a provisional suspension of the project.
• Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expressed frustration over the legal situation and emphasized the need for bicycle lanes in major cities.
• The court’s ruling criticized the Council’s legal arguments and highlighted the annulment of its Mobility Ordinance.
• Local officials are divided on the implications of the bike lane’s removal, with some expressing relief and others disappointment.