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Date Published: 07/05/2020

ARCHIVED - Murcia extends pedestrian crossings and implements flow system to minimise Covid contagion

The council has installed encouraging signs to incentivise its residents to maintain social distancing when exercising

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Murcia extends pedestrian crossings and implements flow system to minimise Covid contagion

Next week we move into phase one of the de-escalation plan and although the authorities are fully aware of the need to move towards some sort of “new normality”, they’re also painfully aware that increased contacts increase the risk of catching Covid-19 and observing social distancing is an important element of this process.

Murcia city has the most concentrated population in the region and the city council has implemented a number of measures to try and reduce the congestion in popular exercising areas, although is equally keen to encourage its residents to go out into the streets and exercise.

Murcia city council has started to install new signage in the city centre, calling for pedestrians to observe social distancing whilst exercising and taking collective and individual responsibility for the well-being of their fellow residents.

Messages are being painted on more than 100 pedestrian crossings throughout the city, principally in areas proving to be the most popular with walkers, cyclists and exercising families, the aim being to maintain a level of social distancing and persuade pedestrians to follow a 2-way system, staying to the right hand-side of the pavement in order to facilitate a smooth “traffic flow”.

As well as installing signage and painting pedestrian crossings, the council is also increasing the width of principal pedestrian crossings to facilitate social distancing and extending the “green light” crossing period for pedestrians.

“Muy pronto nos abrazaremos, ahora mantengamos la distancia” (“Soon we’ll be able to embrace each other, but for now we need to keep a distance”) is one of the messages, others reminding the public to wear a mask or “walking is good for you and for the environment. You’re doing really well.”

Mayor José Ballesta explained during the presentation of the initiative that the city is focusing on three principal measures to improve mobility during the Covid crisis; improving both permanent and temporary pedestrianised areas, increasing cycle routes and safety on public transport.

“We have pedestrianised 50,000 m2 permanently and we already have another 20,000 m2 more planned. On a provisional basis, we have closed the Gran Vía de Murcia to road traffic every Sunday and holiday, so that people can walk through this principal artery of the city and observe social distancing, "he said.

With regards to the increase in cycle lanes, "we have 125 km of permanent cycle lanes and we are going to increase them now by 10 km more with additional provisional roads."

"Public insecurity is leading to public transport being abandoned in large cities in favour of private vehicles. We must provide the necessary security for public transport, maintaining safety distances, and providing it with masks, "he said.

The municipality of Murcia has the largest population in the Region of Murcia, the last census relating to 2019 when it had ‎453, 258 inhabitants.

The municipality also has the highest number of active Covid-19 cases in the region, currently 174, which accounts for 41% of all active cases, hence the need to maintain social distancing and take care.

Remember: LOCKDOWN MEANS LOCKDOWN. STAY AT HOME. STAY SAFE AND DO YOUR BIT TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS.

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