Residents affected by the extension of the cycle lane along Avenida de Sant Jordi in Ibiza have called for changes to the project, arguing that the neighbourhood faces more urgent problems and that the loss of 37 parking spaces will make everyday life more difficult.

The works began on Tuesday, 10 November, and have prompted complaints from residents who say they were not properly consulted before construction started. They have stressed that they are not opposed to cycling infrastructure itself, but believe the current design does not adequately address the needs of the people living along the affected stretch.

The disagreement has also brought attention to other concerns in the area, including street lighting, waste containers, pedestrian safety and the maintenance of existing cycling infrastructure.

Residents Say Parking and Basic Improvements Should Be Priorities

Rocío Rubio, one of the residents affected, told Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera that the new cycle lane would result in the removal of 37 parking spaces.

The Town Hall has indicated that residents will be able to use a new dissuasive car park being prepared on Calle Antoni Machado. However, Rubio questioned how practical this alternative would be for people carrying shopping, older residents and those with reduced mobility.

She also highlighted what she described as a lack of adequate lighting and problems with the neighbourhood's waste containers. Residents have argued that these issues should receive attention alongside decisions about new infrastructure.

Another concern is the condition of the existing cycle lane in the area, which Rubio described as poorly maintained, with weeds and insufficient lighting.

Residents say they only became aware of the new works shortly before construction began, through social media and notices placed in the area.

Meeting with Municipal Representatives

The residents' concerns led to a meeting with representatives of Ibiza Town Council on Wednesday, 11 November.

Although the original report said residents were expecting to meet Mayor Rafa Triguero, subsequent reporting by La Voz de Ibiza confirmed that the meeting took place with Councillor for Public Roads Blanca Hernández, councillor Fran Torres and a municipal technical officer. The mayor was not present.

Representatives of the affected residential buildings, Proimbiza and Imbossa, used the meeting to request changes that could preserve more parking spaces and reduce the impact of the project.

Among the alternatives discussed was studying a route on the side of the avenue belonging to the municipality of Sant Josep, potentially allowing a connection with the existing cycle route towards Sant Jordi.

Residents also asked for changes to the approved design to retain as many of the existing perpendicular parking spaces as possible. They said any future modifications should be discussed with the people affected.

The residents also requested that the mayor publicly acknowledge the meeting and the concerns raised.

No agreement to modify the project had been reported following the meeting.

What Does the Cycle Lane Project Include?

The project is intended to extend the cycle route along Avenida de Sant Jordi towards the junction with Calle Caldetes, Calle Perséfone and Calle de les Alzines.

The extension forms part of efforts to connect the cycling network in Ibiza town with the route towards Sant Jordi and Sant Josep, improving continuity for people travelling by bicycle.

The works include adapting pavements and road markings, as well as modifying elements of the affected public spaces. Ten trees are scheduled to be transplanted as part of the intervention.

The contract was awarded to Hermanos Parrot for €142,663.96, including VAT.

The Council's Alternative Parking Plan

To address the loss of existing spaces, Ibiza Town Council has announced plans for a dissuasive car park with capacity for 226 vehicles on Calle Antoni Machado.

IB3 reported that the proposed parking area is approximately 500 metres from the affected zone when walking along connecting paths. However, residents quoted by the local press have questioned how convenient the alternative will be for people living in the buildings directly affected.

The parking project forms part of a wider programme involving ten dissuasive parking facilities, supported by €1 million in funding from the Sustainable Tourism Tax.

The availability of this alternative is a central part of the disagreement: while the council has presented it as a way to compensate for the spaces being removed, residents want parking closer to their homes and have asked that the design of the cycle lane be reconsidered.

Residents Raise Wider Road Safety and Maintenance Concerns

The discussion has extended beyond parking and the route of the cycle lane.

Residents have also requested better lighting and pavements, measures to control vehicle speeds and improvements to street cleaning and general maintenance. Their proposals include addressing problems with the public space that they say affect the neighbourhood's everyday safety and quality of life.

The project has also attracted political criticism. VOX's spokesperson on Ibiza Town Council, Héctor Andrés, called for the works to be halted and for dialogue with affected residents. Unidas Podemos separately criticised the lack of prior consultation and raised concerns about parking and the trees affected by the project.

The debate reflects the challenge of extending sustainable transport infrastructure while addressing the needs of residents in an established neighbourhood.

For now, the cycle lane works are continuing, while residents are asking the Town Hall to consider alternatives that would maintain the connection for cyclists while reducing the impact on local parking and the surrounding streets.