The boulevard in Sancti Spíritus, initially intended as a pedestrian-friendly cultural hub in the city's historic center, has devolved into a chaotic thoroughfare where motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, and carts navigate freely at all hours, posing significant risks to pedestrians.
A report published on Saturday by Radio Sancti Spíritus highlights the concerns of residents and passersby who are alarmed by the unchecked behavior of drivers in an area where vehicle traffic is technically prohibited.
Yleana González, a local resident, succinctly captured the situation: "For those of us living nearby or passing through, the boulevard feels like a double-lane road, akin to El boquete del Coco. Motorbikes speed in both directions at all times, making it seem like a race track."
Another resident detailed how vehicles enter near the Iglesia Mayor, traverse past Serafín Sánchez Park, and move uninhibitedly in both directions.
"Recently, I was nearly hit, just like some young girls skating on the boulevard, and to my knowledge, this area is not meant for vehicles," she recounted.
Drivers park along the edges and even in the middle of the boulevard, in front of dining establishments and service units, navigating the side streets with what the report terms "the law of the jungle."
Despite this chaos, signs prohibiting vehicle entry remain in place. The sign reading "No Pedestrians with Cycles" stands at the boulevard's entrance, obscured by tree branches, described as "a monument to impunity and public defiance."
Remarkably, all this happens in full view of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, located at the heart of the pedestrian area. Law enforcement officers in the vicinity do not enforce the regulations. Residents recall a time when cycling in the area resulted in fines; today, that rule seems obsolete.
A concerned listener issued a stark warning: "It's only a matter of time before someone is hit, and then it will be too late for regrets."
According to the report, enforcing the law is the key to restoring the boulevard's tranquil and vibrant past as a distinguished cultural center.
This issue is not unique to Sancti Spíritus. The Libertad Street boulevard in Holguín, designed as a pedestrian-only zone in 2005, was recently described as chaotic, overrun with pedicabs, tricycles, and horse-drawn carts.
Similarly, Matanzas' Calle del Medio faces the same problem, even after specific urban regulations were approved for its historic center in March.
In Sancti Spíritus, traffic accidents were already a serious issue before this report. In the first nine months of 2025, there were 154 accidents, resulting in 18 deaths and 149 injuries, with motorcycles, homemade vehicles, and "riquimbilis" accounting for 51% of the incidents.
Provincial authorities announced in July that they would take stronger measures against illegal tricycles. However, the ongoing chaos on the boulevard suggests these measures have yet to impact the city center.
Understanding Traffic Chaos in Cuban Boulevards
Why is the Sancti Spíritus boulevard chaotic?
The boulevard is chaotic due to the unregulated movement of motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, and carts, which freely navigate the area intended for pedestrians, posing risks to their safety.
What measures are being taken to address the traffic issues?
Provincial authorities have announced stronger measures against illegal tricycles, although these have yet to effectively reach the city center and curb the chaos on the boulevard.
How does this problem compare to other Cuban cities?
Similar issues are occurring in other cities, such as Holguín and Matanzas, where designated pedestrian zones are being overrun by unauthorized vehicles, despite regulations aimed at preserving pedestrian safety.