Cycling on Bonaire: From dangerous roads to golden opportunities
Cycling on Bonaire is challenging now, but offers tremendous opportunities. Thanks to local initiatives and increased awareness, calls for safe bike lanes are growing. This article shows how exercise, health and infrastructure come together on the way to a bicycle-friendly Bonaire.
Cycling on Bonaire? That may sound like an adventure for daredevils, but trust us: the future looks promising! This Caribbean island, known for its peace and quiet, is bursting with potential to become a true cycling paradise. But… there is work to be done.
Why cycling on Bonaire is still challenging
If you’ve ever attempted to ride a bicycle down the Kaya Korona or Kaya Amsterdam, you know what we’re talking about. Cars whiz by, pedestrians are hardly to be seen, and cyclists? They can be counted on one hand. At times, the ratio of cars to cyclists is as high as 200 to 1. That’s bizarre, right?
And that while 75% of people say cycling on Bonaire is too dangerous. No wonder parents prefer to take their children to school by car. This keeps the roads crowded and the bicycle an underdog.
Still… cycling on Bonaire has so many advantages
Did you know that more than half of Bonaireans live just a 15-minute walk or bike ride from stores, schools or work? Kralendijk is compact, flat and – yes – mostly sunny. No cold, no rain, no mountains. What’s holding us back?
Well, among other things, the infrastructure. Or rather, the lack thereof. Bike lanes are scarce. Street dogs sometimes show up unexpectedly. And bike shops? You can almost count them on your fingers.
Yet things are slowly changing. MBO and vmbo students can already sign up for bicycle repair classes. And that is not only good for cyclists, but also for people in wheelchairs. Everyone wins here.
Cycling on Bonaire? That must be different than in the Netherlands
We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but we do need to do it differently. European models do not work one-to-one here. Cooperation with residents, policy makers and organizations is key. Think of Baislife and the Urban Cycling Institute. They really look at what does work on the island.
For example: the new mountain bike trails on Seru Largu. Or the “activity lane” at the airport, which hopefully will soon extend all the way to Playa. These kinds of projects make a difference.
Health, exercise and less traffic
Cycling on Bonaire is not only good for the environment. It is also crucial for health. With 60% of residents struggling with obesity or lack of exercise, just a little extra activity can have a big effect. Pedaling to the store or letting your kids bike themselves to school? It matters.
Vicious circle? Time to break it
Too many cars make the roads unsafe. As a result, people don’t get on their bikes. And because they don’t bike, the roads stay crowded. Recognizable? We can only break this circle together. By building safe bike lanes, by more visibility for cyclists, by more education, and by just getting on that bike!
What is already happening now (and what you can do)
New mountain bike trails. Education in schools. And hopefully soon: many more safe trails for hiking and biking. But you, too, can help. By riding your bike more often. By making your voice heard when there are plans for infrastructure. And by just getting started. Because the more people bike on Bonaire, the more normal and safe it will become.