The revitalization of the Via Expressa Sul in Florianopolis has already been completed, but those who use the space for cycling or even getting around the region are missing out on an important piece of work. The promised coverage has yet to give a sign.

The Expressa Sul de Florianópolis bike path is not lit; watch video – Photo: Leo Munoz/ND

Spouses Nathaniel and Giuliana Nascimento love to ride a bike. They are residents of Coastal Pirahubae and use a bicycle almost everywhere. They were elated when they announced that the highway leading to the south of the island would be rehabilitated and given new bike lanes.

“We don’t feel safe. People have pointed out in several groups this problem of insecurity, very uneven floors and lighting that was not meant for a bike lane but was meant for a highway. It doesn’t look cool. We don’t feel safe and end up going elsewhere,” Nascimento said.

When the work was announced, it provided for a lighting system similar to that of Avenida Beira-Mar Norte. However, the current lighting is already existing, facing the roadways. Cyclists and pedestrians remain in the dark.

Juliana said that “she risks being robbed at night, very early in the morning. There is very little security, and we always have to walk in a group, because walking alone does not even think about it.”

In the same situation is the psychologist Krishna de Castro, who loves to ride a bicycle. A resident of the Pantanal, she mostly cycles to the city center but prefers to ride during the day. If the tour goes a little further, return in the dark.

“Sometimes you want to go on a weekend, but if you extend your leisure time a little later, it is very dangerous to return. It’s very dark here, very deserted. Nothing to do with it, not even Jose Mendez. You come from the middle of the street, and there is a high step,” said Krishna.

The psychologist also questions the fact that the old bike path has not been restored. It’s on the other side of the alley, but it’s completely dark. According to the cyclists themselves, it was better than new buildings.

For Krishna, “many of those who use [as novas ciclovias] they preferred him to perk up there. If there’s anything to improve here, there’s so much to improve here that I still think it’s better to revitalize there. We’ll have to put the same lighting. Instead of putting it here, put it there. Repair the floor, because this floor was not enough. You put up ramps, you don’t even need it there, because you already have access, the one here that you don’t have.”

The site, which is part of the reconstruction of Via Expressa Sul, handed over to the public in May, is just over 5 km. It runs from the Antonieta de Barros tunnel to Trevo da Seta on the coast. It is made of reinforced concrete and has access to Saco dos Limoes and Avenida Jorge Lacerda.

In a note, Florianopolis City Hall informed that a bidding process is currently underway to hire a company that will carry out street lighting. The estimated budget is 6 million reais. The note also explains that the state government is responsible for the old bike path.

Until the promised lighting arrives, the solution is to turn on the bike lights and keep pace so as not to lose sight of the group.

See the report for more details. General balance of Florianopolis.