More sustainable mobility by 2022

Mr. Director,
Undoubtedly, 2021 was marked by different events in Chile and in the world. In environmental terms, the crisis and the problem made headlines all year. One of the milestones was in August when the lapidary UN report was delivered in which it was stated that “the consequences of climate change are irreversible”. From the private world and especially from the companies that seek to contribute to having a more sustainable world we must ask ourselves what are the challenges that await us for 2022 to precisely not do more damage to the planet and on the contrary be a contribution.
Sustainable mobility is a concept that has gained traction and even better has become a lifestyle for thousands of people. Cycling, for example, has been one of the big changes we have seen in cities. Although since the arrival of the pandemic this had already been rising, it has been inevitable to see how this year cyclists have returned to reign in the streets. Because for many pedaling is not only to go for a walk or recreate, but it has become their means of transport.
A study of Mobility and Transport carried out in the Metropolitan Region by Studio Público revealed that to move with greater health precaution measures, people decided to opt for something much more ecological and good for health: the bicycle. The study also exposed a 4% increase in people migrating to cycling, compared to the previous year, reaching 12.6%. Positive figures, but not necessarily enough. And that is the challenge that we must face in 2022, that these numbers increase and above all persuade the short- and long-term benefits of riding a bicycle. That it can become an official means of transport for many, that it is cheaper than other means and that it is also good for health. It is not enough to write it but we must apply it.
The time has come to deal with the issue, Santiago like other cities, is a pedalable city, but we must make it friendlier. From the quality of the bike paths to the road empathy of all those who travel on the streets. Only then will we motivate more people to be part of this culture. A person who pedals changes his life and if many do so they can change an entire society, impacting the city we seek to build for ourselves and future generations.
Alex Ferreira, country manager Tembici Chile

Original source in Spanish