My name is Javier Flores. I’m an architect and specialise in urban mobility. I have been working for over 15 years to stimulate sustainable mobility and I consider that the bicycle must become a structuring element of this change. I’m involved in generating spaces of discussion oriented towards the redesign of streets with the objective of improving the quality of life of people.
How would you describe your mission?
As bicycle mayor of Lima, I hold the mission of uplifting the work of urban activist groups that are promoting the bicycle as a mode of transportation. I am also seeking to sensitise authorities so that together we can create public policies oriented towards its promotion. Furthermore, I aim to ensure that government investments in public space include quality bicycle paths that guarantee the safety of users, allowing more and more people to opt for the bicycle as a means of transport.
What are the obstacles and challenges you’re facing in your city?
The current model of cities based on motorized vehicles is not sustainable over time and far from efficient, which is why it is essential to generate new parameters in urban design. However, the lack of awareness and commitment of neighborhood groups and authorities towards bicycle mobility makes it difficult for this change to develop. On the other hand, the lack of quality infrastructure limits the increase in urban cyclists because they do not feel safe.
What are your next steps now that you are the Bicycle Mayor?
The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to face new challenges in the coming years. In this sense, individual mobility will take greater prominence due to the threats created by mass transportation. Given this, I consider that the bicycle can become the main mode of transport, as long as favorable conditions are generated. For this reason, I promise to promote this type of initiative at the public and private level.
What can other cities learn from your city?
Bicycle mobility is a relatively new trend that has been successfully implemented in other cities worldwide. In Lima, however this change is just beginning to germinate, being a subject of much debate. It is worth mentioning that activist groups are generally made up of young people committed to the need for change to achieve a better city.
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