Changes in traffic in Teresópolis generate controversy In Teresópolis, in the Serrana region of Rio, the new cycle lane implemented on Avenida Lúcio Meira, known as Reta, continues to generate criticism from drivers, cyclists and residents. The changes are part of the city's traffic reorganization and include the transfer of the cycle lane to the opposite side of the road, where it now operates two-way to make way for an exclusive lane for buses in the Várzea–Alto direction. The new structure does not meet the dimensions recommended by the National Traffic Council (Contran). While a two-way cycle lane must be at least 2.40 meters wide, the new section is between 1.70 and 1.80 meters wide. ? Follow the g1 Região Serrana channel on WhatsApp. Cycle lane in Teresópolis Inter TV Reproduction The space is also used by pedestrians for walking and running, which, according to critics, increases the risk of accidents. Lawyer Márcia Peixoto, representative of the Em Movimento collective, states that the changes compromise the safety of cyclists and pedestrians and defends the review of the project. "This project was carried out in a rushed manner, without public participation. We believe that changes that impact people's daily lives need to be discussed with society and not implemented arbitrarily", commented the lawyer. With the creation of the exclusive bus lane, the lanes for cars became narrower in both directions of the avenue. Guidelines for cycle lanes Arte Inter Tv / RJ According to residents, this reduced the distance between vehicles and bicycles, increasing the feeling of insecurity for those using the road. Furthermore, shots recorded by residents show pedestrians walking through the former cycle lane space, which is now part of the roadway. Accidents have also been recorded since the changes began. Teresópolis City Hall reported that the red lanes were implemented to increase the visibility of crossings and contribute to reducing the risk of being run over. Despite this, residents say that adaptation has been difficult and have organized a petition that has already gathered almost 700 signatures asking for the changes to be reviewed. The works are still in progress and part of the final signage has not been completed. In a statement, the City Hall informed that the interventions are part of a project to reorganize the municipality's traffic and that all signage and painting will be completed in the next few days.