La Orotava’s Ongoing Initiative to Enhance Pedestrian Safety in Las Cuevas

The residents of La Orotava have long expressed their concerns regarding the absence of sidewalks along the old TF-21 road, particularly in the densely populated Las Cuevas area. This lack of pedestrian infrastructure poses daily risks for locals who must navigate unsafe walking conditions.

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians

A critical section of concern lies between La Quiquirá and Las Cuevas, where pedestrians are forced to walk on the roadway due to the absence of designated pedestrian zones. This situation has led to ongoing discussions between the Town Hall and local residents for the past two years, focusing on finding a solution to improve safety along this heavily trafficked route.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Narciso Pérez, the Councillor for Safety and Emergencies, has stated that the La Orotava Town Hall has been actively collaborating with the residents of Las Cuevas for about two years to devise a comprehensive plan that connects this residential area to the town center. The TF-21 section, which extends from Santa Úrsula, features an outdated design with homes situated close to the road, a lack of sidewalks, and parked vehicles encroaching on the verges. Pérez noted that as the Las Cuevas neighborhood continues to grow, many residents rely on this route for walking, facing significant challenges due to the proximity of homes to the road.

In particular, the curve at Charca de Ascanio presents a hazardous situation, as homes are almost adjacent to the road, compelling pedestrians onto the carriageway. The absence of continuous sidewalks and the presence of parked vehicles further exacerbate the safety risks.

Measures Against Illegal Racing

Pérez also highlighted that initial municipal measures, developed in partnership with the Cabildo de Tenerife, were implemented to address the ongoing issue of illegal street racing. Approximately a year ago, improvements were made, including the installation of speed reducers, enhanced lighting, new sidewalk sections, and pedestrian crossings. These interventions have reportedly been effective in reducing illegal racing activities around Las Cuevas, although such incidents still occur between the Humboldt viewpoint and Santa Úrsula.

Despite these efforts, Pérez acknowledged that the initial measures do not fully address the community’s needs. Residents have expressed the desire for a comprehensive project that guarantees a safe connection between the Las Cuevas area and the Domínguez Afonso promenade. In response, the Town Hall commissioned a feasibility study, with plans presented to residents last December. While the proposal received positive feedback, concerns were raised about potential parking space reductions due to the new sidewalks.

Development of a Comprehensive Project

The ongoing study aims to evolve into a definitive project that explores various options to maintain a sufficient number of parking spaces while enhancing pedestrian safety. The council intends to present the complete project by early 2026.

Following the presentation to residents, the next steps will involve sectorial reports in collaboration with the Cabildo, allowing for necessary adjustments and the preparation of a funding agreement for what Pérez describes as a complex initiative.

Pérez emphasized that the future project must consider multiple factors, including road safety, sidewalk creation, tree preservation, parking space maintenance, and minimizing disruption to local homes. These various requirements are concentrated within a span of just 800 meters, necessitating extensive technical work over several months.

Despite the challenges ahead, the Town Hall remains hopeful about achieving a viable solution. The project will involve land expropriations at several margins, ultimately facilitating a safe pedestrian environment that connects the Las Cuevas district to the center of La Orotava via the Domínguez Afonso promenade.

Key points

• The lack of sidewalks along the old TF-21 road in La Orotava poses safety risks for residents.
• Discussions between the Town Hall and residents have been ongoing for two years to address these concerns.
• The area between La Quiquirá and Las Cuevas is particularly hazardous for pedestrians.
• Initial measures to combat illegal racing have been implemented, including speed reducers and new sidewalks.
• A feasibility study for a comprehensive project has been commissioned, with plans to be presented by early 2026.
• The project aims to balance pedestrian safety with the preservation of parking spaces and local trees.
• Land expropriations will be necessary to create a safe pedestrian environment connecting Las Cuevas to La Orotava.