With Incomplete Construction, New Maracanã Bike Lane Ends at Wall

06/17/2013 - 08h34

Maracanã's new bicycle lane, designed to completely circumvent the entire sports facilities (which include the stadium, Maracanãzinho gymnasium and the Júlio Delamare Aquatic Center), currently ends at a wall. The lane, built at the same time as the constructions around the stadium, is interrupted shortly after the stadium's main entrance, at the statue of Bellini.

It ends at the wall of the National Agriculture and Husbandry Laboratory, linked to the Ministry of Agriculture. Behind the wall, one can see a construction site, with trucks, tractors and the pillars that will support the future walkway connecting the Maracanã subway station to the stadium. The bicycle lane is likely to continue in that area, where the construction is behind schedule.

Marco Aurélio Canônico/Folhapress

Designed to completely circumvent the entire Maracanã sports facility, the new bicycle lane ends at a wall

CONFEDERATIONS CUP

On Sunday the stadium held its first Confederations Cup match- Italy's 2-1 victory over Mexico.

The high number of fans (some 6,000 more than at the reopening game between Brazil and England) led to lines to the restrooms and snack bars, especially before the match and at halftime, making circulation in the stadium difficult. However, there were no signs of disorder.

The entrance to the lower seats sector was through few access tunnels, which also hampered circulation. Once that step was overcome, reaching the seats also demanded patience and the help of those already seated, who had to get up to allow others to pass. In the stadium's most expensive sectors, the seats closer to the field were closed and not sold - advertising billboards blocked the view of the field.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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