Sustainable Pedals
SUSTAINABLE PEDALS is a project based on 7 giant bicycle sculptures for the outdoor art museum of the Plana de L’arc. The sculptures have been designed and manufactured by Iván Villalonga and Marcos Herrasti from Talleres Vial de Cabanes, so it is a project that arises from within the villages of the Plana de L’arc.
SUSTAINABLE PEDALS PROJECT, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VISITING THEM
La Plana de l’Arc is always looking for slow and sustainable tourism, and for this reason, we recommend 7 ways to enjoy the 7 bicycles with respect for the territory and the work of art itself:
- Visit them by bicycle or on foot, you will see how you not only like the bicycle but also the road to get to it.
- Discover them little by little, each one has its moment and is located in a wonderful town where you will be surprised by its gastronomy, culture, nature, parties or the hosts themselves.
- Look carefully where you park to respect the lives of the neighbors.
- Look at the bike from below, circle it and investigate its color, its message and its purpose.
- Pedal on the small bike, steadily, neither fast nor slow, and then press the button on the handlebars, and the Plana de l’Arc song will play, and the giant bike will turn on the light.
- Admire the work of its finishing, its fusion and technology; a very valuable profession in our territory.
- Each one has a different pattern.
- Prepare your trip before coming to see them. Study the network of green roads and organize your route. They are rural roads that we have signposted so that you can pedal along them with almost no traffic. Find out more on the website or at the tourist offices
- And of course, take care of the bicycle: do not get on the giant bike, neither alone nor in a group, do not stand, take your garbage, etc. In other words, be a sustainable, respectful and slow tourist/
THANKS A LOT
SUSTAINABLE PEDALS PROJECT
The project was born in January 2023, when the two native creators of the Plana de l’Arc, when observing the open-air art museum, were inspired to continue with the sculptures in a big way.
The sculptures of bicycles with a classic design manage to integrate into the rural areas of each municipality of the Plana de L’arc. The works aim to convey:
- Adding value to sustainability and energizing rural areas.
- To create sustainable, relaxed and shared tourism.
- Highlight the roots and the rural environment valuing its beauty and village life.
- Unite the concepts of the Sustainable Development Goals with the bicycle.
Not only are they bicycle sculptures but they are also linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are 17 goals set by the UN for the year 2030 in order to improve our quality of life in a cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately sustainable, way. Of all the SDGs, 7 goals have been selected, each representing a bicycle.
In addition, with the large sculpture, a life-size bicycle is available. In it, visitors will be able to climb and pedal, managing to transform their effort into electrical energy to dissipate it into light, in the focus of the large bicycle, and music, by pressing the button on the bell of the handlebar.
For the construction of this sculpture, carbon steel structural profiles have been used, which have been curved to give it the shape of a bicycle. The assembly and assembly to achieve a bicycle 6m long and 3.5 m high has been a challenge, with more than 3,000 kg for each sculpture. All of them are painted with a baked paint achieving a finish of vivid colors and durable outdoors.
THE MEANING OF EACH BICYCLE
END OF POVERTY
Bienvenid@s to Benlloc’s bicycle: A symbol of hope and progress in our rural environment. This monumental work inspires us to pedal towards the end of poverty, representing our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal. In a world where prosperity and equality are essential, this sculpture reminds us that together we can build a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
HEALTH WELL-BEING
Discover a new masterpiece located in Cabanes: an imposing sculpture of a steel bicycle, a symbol of health and well-being in our rural environment. This monumental creation reminds us of the importance of an active and sustainable lifestyle, promoting green mobility and contact with nature. What better way than with a bicycle.
GENDER EQUALITY
Monumental bicycle that symbolizes our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality. This impressive work reminds us that each pedal stroke brings us closer to a world where all people, regardless of gender, have the same opportunities and rights. Together, let’s build a more equitable and just future for all!
In addition, The bicycle promotes gender equality by offering women and men an accessible and independent means of transport, breaking mobility barriers and empowering both genders to move freely and safely.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Discover the giant steel bicycle at La Torre d’en Doménec, a symbol of our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. This monumental work represents our dedication to providing equitable access to education in all communities. Let’s pedal together towards a future where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. Thus contributing to the education of a sustainable lifestyle.
AFFORDABLE AND NON-POLLUTING ENERGY
At the top of Vall d’Alba: the giant bicycle that symbolizes our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Affordable and Clean Energy. This impressive work reminds us of the power of clean energy and accessible to all, where there are no gas emissions that increase the greenhouse effect and generate hazardous waste, with the bicycle being the transport tool with the lowest CO2 emissions into the environment.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
See our new sculpture in the charming area of the “Escola del caragol”, Vilafamés: a bicycle of colossal dimensions, a symbol of our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Sustainable Cities and Communities. This monumental work inspires us towards a future where our cities are more liveable, green and connected places. What better way than by creating networks of roads where travel with the bicycle is encouraged.
CLIMATE ACTION
In the heart of Vilanova D’alcolea, an imposing sculpture emerges from it: a large steel bicycle, a symbol of our action for the climate. This monumental work represents our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action. In a world where sustainability is essential, this sculpture inspires us to pedal towards a greener and cleaner future. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change.