The Lugo City Council is studying the reformulation of the bike lane's route with the aim of correcting the mobility issues it is causing and moving towards a solution that allows for the promotion of sustainable mobility alongside the real needs of citizens.
The Councilor for Mobility and Works, Antonio Ameijide, held several meetings at the European Parliament in Brussels to learn firsthand about the conditions governing actions financed by community funds, the possibilities for modifying the project, and the deadlines to consider for addressing a potential reformulation or even the removal of certain sections for safety reasons.
Ameijide explained that the objective is to study all alternatives to improve the bike lane and correct the problems in daily mobility, seeking to "make decisions with all guarantees and with the utmost rigor".
The councilor emphasized that modifying the route does not necessarily imply a change in the nature or fundamental objectives of the project, advocating for the need to adapt the route to the city's needs without abandoning sustainable mobility.
During the visit, the European regulatory framework was analyzed, specifically Article 71 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 on the durability of operations financed by European funds, which contemplates the potential repayment of community contributions in cases of substantial modifications.
The Lugo City Council considers it necessary to precisely determine the scope of possible modifications to ensure that any reformulation of the route is compatible with the conditions of the European aid, distinguishing between a change in the infrastructure's path and a substantial alteration of its original purpose.
Ameijide indicated that they are analyzing "how to act within the law and with all guarantees" to adapt the route without changing the project's objectives.
