Bizkaia Provincial Council installing two BiziPuntos and a bike-wash next to the Larreineta Funicular Railway

Since 31 March, cycle enthusiasts who regularly use the bike routes in La Arboleda and the Zona Minera [Mining Area] can tune, service or clean their bicycles “conveniently, quickly and safely” thanks to the two BiziPuntos and the bike-wash, which have installed by the Provincial Department of Transport and Sustainable Mobility next to the Larreineta Funicular Railway.

Specifically, one of the two BiziPuntos is at the Larreineta station exit and the other BiziPunto is next to the bike-wash in La Escontrilla. The two bike repair and maintenance points are similar to those that the Department has set up in other municipalities of Bizkaia.  They consist of a 20 x 20 cm and 1.40 high stainless-steel column.  They come with a set of 8 tools, screwdrivers, monkey wrench, open-ended wrench, Allen keys and implements to remove and fit tyres. Each of the tools is on a steel retractable cord.   They also have a tyre pump with a swivel handle and a pressure gauge. They come with a mount to hold the bicycle in place, which makes it easier to carry out the normal work required.  

Users can use a QR code to access tutorials on the maintenance and repair work that can be carried out at the BiziPunto. All the information published by Bizkaia Provincial Council on its website can also be accessed using another of the QR codes on the column.  The work area is marked out in blue paint and the services available are on a rectangular vertical sign.

ELECTRIC BUS

The initiative comes under the agreement signed between the Basque Government, Bizkaia Provincial Council and Trapagaran Local Council to drive sustainable mobility between the municipality and La Arboleda, with the spotlight on the funicular railway.  The goal is to generate a large decarbonised and zero-emission area for sustainable mobility area between La Escontrilla and La Arboleda. The institutions involved are committed to an electric bus, managed by EuskoTren, providing the service between the funicular railway and La Arboleda.

The aim is to foster the use of sustainable means of transport, by encouraging active mobility on foot or by bike. Impetus will also be given to the different modes of public transport as an alternative to the private vehicle.

PERMANENT EXHIBITION

The agreement between the three institutions also includes different general interest cultural actions. 

They include a permanent exhibition at the funicular railway premises to showcase its history and of the local mining. The refurbishment of the old Larreineta funicular railway will also be featured in the exhibition.