super-blocks

I have always wanted to spend my senior years living in a place where I could walk, bike, or take functional public transportation to my destinations so I would not have to own a vehicle.   And now, I’ve finally found that place…Cuenca, Ecuador.

Cuenca is a very progressive city that is working to improve to the walkability and bike-ability of the the city.  They’re doing this by creating more pedestrian friendly walking areas, more bike paths, an electric tram (tranvia), and improving the local bus system with new buses.  And, they have an excellent city bike program called Bicipùblica Cuenca.

While there are some places like this in the U.S., they aren’t nearly as affordable as Cuenca is.  The cost of living here is about 1/3 of most places in the U.S. and, it’s a beautiful city. 

 

Bicycling in Cuenca, Ecuador is a different experience than bicycling in the United States.  While both have their risks and rewards, bicycling on the Cuenca city streets has far more hazards, number one being the drivers, if you’re riding on the roads.  

Drivers in Cuenca put themselves first over pedestrians and cyclists.  You have to stop for them, they won’t stop for you and when they have to, they wait to the very last minute, just before they hit you.  Then they honk at you, even in a crosswalk.  Ecuadorians are beautiful people, until they get into a car.  That being said, if you stick to the bike paths and stay alert, it’s a great place to ride your bike.

BIKE PATHS