Proposed 22km Bike Path Could Link Puerto Morelos to Playa

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Influencer and cyclist Sam del Puerto has proposed transforming an abandoned section of the Maya Train route into a 22-kilometer bike path connecting Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. The initiative, directed to Mexico’s government and the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE), aims to repurpose a cleared and leveled stretch originally intended for the train but later discarded due to route adjustments.

A Route for Eco-Tourism and Mobility

The unused corridor, spanning approximately 22 kilometers, was initially prepared for the Maya Train project under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration. However, after feasibility studies, the train’s trajectory was rerendered, leaving the cleared land vacant except for sporadic fencing.

“The original layout linked Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, but subsequent studies led to the route being shifted elsewhere,” explained del Puerto. He emphasized that the flat, unobstructed terrain would require minimal investment to convert into a functional cycling path.

A Call to Action

In a public appeal, del Puerto urged CONADE and President Claudia Sheinbaum to consider the proposal: “I propose that they open and condition this path as a cycling trail,” he stated. The project, dubbed “the first Caribbean bike route,” would enable cyclists to traverse Quintana Roo’s jungle while promoting sports tourism.

The idea has garnered support from cycling communities across Mexico, with many sharing del Puerto’s video to amplify visibility. Commenters have rallied behind the initiative, advocating for its implementation.

Broader Context

The Maya Train, a flagship infrastructure project, has connected multiple regions across southeastern Mexico. Repurposing unused sections for cycling infrastructure aligns with growing demands for sustainable mobility options in Quintana Roo, a state increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly transit solutions.

The proposal follows other local mobility projects, such as Cancún’s Nichupté Bridge and its upcoming electric bus system, reflecting a regional shift toward diversified transportation networks.

No official response from CONADE or federal authorities has been reported at this time.