Socialists call for restrictions on cycle tourism on Les Planes road

The PSOE-PSPV representation in Xàbia has called for urgent measures to regulate the boom in cycling tourism in Les Planes and especially on the narrow, winding road that runs between Xàbia and Dénia with its tight bends and poor visibility.

Spokesperson José Chulvi explained that, whilst cycle tourism is a sustainable and environmentally friendly activity, a problem arises when it goes from being an individual leisure activity to a tourism product, especially on such a dangerous road as that which runs across Les Planes.

On peak days, the road across Les Planes can carry dozens of cyclists at a time, from professionals to individuals, including tourists who have booked itineraries with dedicated sports tourism companies who set up refreshment points whilst also accompanying their clients with cars or motorbikes, sometimes recording them to document their experience, sometimes even standing in the middle of the road to take photographs or record video.

“Any resident who lives in La Plana de Xàbia or who travels to Dénia to work, run errands, or simply spend the day, can encounter 70 or 80 cyclists at once on that stretch,” he told the latest plenary session at Xàbia town hall. “People lose patience and make very dangerous overtaking moves, putting the lives of cyclists, drivers, or themselves at risk. It’s the same old problem of mass tourism that harms the people who live here and puts us in danger. We can’t be a theme park that, for the enjoyment of tourists, always overrides the safety of the locals.”

He said that he believed that the same thing should be applied on Les Planes as had been done to protect the coast of Xàbia, where activities such as paddle surfing and kayaking, both of which are perfectly sustainable pursuits, became hampered by overcrowding issues and have had to be regulated.

He added that it should also be considered whether companies offering cycling tourism along this route have the authorisation to do so which can be inspected by the Guardia Civil, in the same way that club-organised cycling events must have the necessary permits.

Mayor Rosa Cardona pledged to study the feasibility of the what she called “a very good proposal”, adding that “this is proof that this social concern transcends political biases”.