I am Nilton Lopez, and I became an activist by participating in and organizing demonstrations for respecting the lives of all vulnerable people who ride bicycles in a city that is aggressive towards pedestrians and cyclists. When this was an unspoken issue in Lima, together with other people we sought to put on the table the “use of bicycles” and since then we have won spaces for cyclists. However, we are still far from having a human-centric city, road conviviality, and the right to transport as a basic service. Which can all be seen from a vision of sustainable mobility.
I am a computer technician with a diploma in infrastructure and sustainable mobility. I am also a bicycle activist with more than 15 years of experience. In 2007 I founded Cicloaxión, the first collective in Peru dedicated to the promotion of cycling and sustainable mobility in Lima. My path as an activist has allowed me to become familiar with advocacy strategies, and cooperation with actors from all sectors (public, private, civil society, and press) and has broadened my knowledge about the different visions and positions on sustainable mobility.
What are your plans as Bicycle Mayor?
Currently, one of the most important barriers limiting the use of bicycles as a means of transportation in Lima is the insecurity generated by the lack of quality cycling infrastructure. This, coupled with the speed of automobile traffic, not only discourages citizens from cycling in the city and prevents it from reaching its potential as a sustainable means of transportation, but also puts the lives of those who cycle in Lima at risk.
Therefore, I plan to focus my work on this obstacle, as I believe that the infrastructure and management of public space is an essential element that changes this situation immediately:
- It provides safety for cyclists through physical barriers and an exclusive circulation space, reduces the speed of motor vehicles.
- Has a positive impact on other actors on the roads (such as pedestrians and public transport users).
These plans will be articulated with all mobility stakeholders since we are all part of the problem and all part of the solution.
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