Avinguda Diagonal has transformed into Barcelona's new bustling Rambla, attracting significantly more pedestrians and cyclists a year and a half after its major reform. This extensive project included the launch of the tram extension between Glòries and Verdaguer, fundamentally changing how residents use the avenue.

Many Barcelona residents now incorporate Diagonal into their daily routines. They walk their dogs, commute to work, exercise, and take their children to school along this revitalised route. The avenue, once dominated by vehicle traffic, now offers a more pleasant and accessible experience for non-motorised transport.

Laura Triquell, a local resident, accompanies her children to school along the avenue. She uses the tram for her commute to work. "For me, it has been a significant before and after," she explained. "The tram is more comfortable, and I do not have to take the bus or the metro." She added that passing through the area during the construction works was much heavier.

Diagonal's Urban Transformation

The reform of Avinguda Diagonal, a key artery in the Eixample district, home to 260,000 residents, has reshaped urban mobility. The introduction of a spacious cycle lane has made cycling much faster and easier than driving a car. This change encourages more residents to choose bicycles for their daily journeys across the city.

Josep Soto, a resident of Poblenou, now uses his bicycle far more often. He regularly crosses the entire city, cycling to Gran Via 2. "Between 08:00 and 10:00, many people move by bicycle," he observed. "We were a bit behind other leading countries in this mobility, and I believe we have now caught up a bit."

Enhanced Mobility and Commuting

The tram extension and improved cycling infrastructure have significantly enhanced commuting options. Ariane Basaguren cycles almost daily across Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes to her workplace. She finds the experience invigorating. "It cheers up my morning, between the Agbar Tower, the sun, and the traffic-free space, it is a pleasure," she stated. Basaguren noted that Glòries has become a central point of the neighbourhood, with a noticeable increase in people.

The shift towards active transport modes also supports a healthier lifestyle for residents. Soraya Hurtado, who runs with a friend along Diagonal, trains for a Hyrox competition. "We go here because in the Eixample, it is the area with less traffic, with fewer impediments to run well," she explained. This makes Diagonal an attractive option for outdoor exercise.

A New Space for Exercise and Leisure

Beyond structured exercise, the avenue now offers a more pleasant environment for everyday activities. Erven Bertrand chooses to walk to work daily. He appreciates the improved surroundings. "It is more pleasant to go to work this way, you have more green, more people with families, there is a more pleasant atmosphere," he commented. This reflects a broader desire for greener, more pedestrian-friendly urban spaces.

Diane Hanley, who moved to Barcelona from New York two years ago, has adopted the Diagonal stroll as part of her routine. "It is great to be able to walk with the dog in the morning or evening, without many cars or traffic," she said. Hanley highlighted a sense of community and the presence of nature, describing it as a very beautiful walk.

Addressing Current Challenges

Despite the overall positive transformation, some challenges remain. A temporary diversion of the cycle lane between Parc de les Glòries and Los Castillejos, due to ongoing works, creates conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians. Guillermo Díaz, who passes through the area daily with his children, finds it occasionally dangerous.

"It is not well signposted," Díaz explained. "Here it is a danger because some scooters and bikes go very fast among pedestrians." Barcelona City Council continues to adapt its urban planning to manage these new dynamics. The city aims to ensure safety and smooth coexistence for all users of the revitalised Avinguda Diagonal as it continues to evolve as a central urban hub.

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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.