My grandfather turns 102 years old in a few days. And like any person of that age, if only for the experience, I consider him a wise man. One of those who know what they are talking about because they have lived almost everything, from a Civil War, to when they worked in the fields from a young age, going through economic crises and discovering the benefits of the mobile phone. Because yes, he is an elderly person, but he has adapted to the times in an amazing way and although he is still surprised that photos can be sent through a mobile phone, he accepts it and enjoys it.
I tell you all this because in the midst of the controversy with the Avenida de Arrecife, (semi-pedestrianization or not), I approach him and ask his opinion. He comments that the question is out of place, that only a society addicted to comfort could consider that doubt.
He tells me... If you have doubts? Place yourself on the avenue itself, walk it step by step, calmly. Observe, breathe and greet those you meet. Think about what many would give to be able to walk that path every day or have it close to their homes and then consider why we want to hide it, disguise it or adorn it with cars.
That same afternoon I did so. I recognize that it has been a long time since I walked without a specific purpose. What we know as walking for the sake of walking, which is so necessary and so healthy. I started from the La Rocar parking lot and, as my grandfather advised me, I observed and valued. Meanwhile, I was thinking about all the work being done in many places for sustainability, for renewable energies and consequently for a more conscious, healthier society.
I realized that we have made so many mistakes... that I wouldn't want it to happen again... The debate about semi-pedestrianizing the Avenida Marítima de Arrecife or leaving it open to traffic shouldn't even exist. Experts, connoisseurs and my grandfather flee from cars and pollution.
Many don't even realize that this fact is historic. That it has much more importance than it is being given (and that's saying something). It's not about what we like or dislike, whether we take the car or not, whether we arrive at work on time or have to get up a little earlier (what a ordeal...) it's about the possible legacy we leave to future generations, the example we give them by putting cars before bikes, pollution before pure air, the steering wheel before holding hands...
I prefer to leave them the possibility of doing the same route that I did, in sneakers, with my hair disheveled and greeting my neighbors. With the possibility of helping the lady who has dropped her bag of fruit and with the smile of the child who is learning to ride a bike without training wheels.
I'll stick with an Arrecife, without artifice. The one from always. The one we changed one day thinking it was for the better. We must rectify, understand that cars are functional but we have given them an importance they don't have.
A good friend always says that it is important to recognize yourself, when I doubted I did not recognize myself. After the walk I am myself again.
Montse de León Acuña, Journalist
