We talk about the ‘ marchapié ’, or as we would say in the south , ‘ machapié ’, to refer to that space or refuge for pedestrians , for people , for all the public . When our elders used to refer to this urban element , it was always with a purpose that sought a good or a protection against risk : ‘ go for the machapié ’ to indicate the safe way or ‘ get on the machapié ’ when a vehicle was approaching , regardless of the speed at which it was moving .
It is understood that this space or urban element appears after the arrival of vehicles and the adaptation of the streets to them . In most municipalities , it could be considered as the first infrastructure built in these , presenting a slight elevation , since most of the population moved actively , i . e . on foot , and it was necessary to protect them , leaving the road , with sand pavement , reserved for the transit of vehicles , at another speed and for other purposes . In some cases and for different reasons , the evolution of the street or road itself led to the disappearance of the marchapiés or pavements , giving priority to the vehicles and modes that were imposed in each city .
With this new section MARCHAPIÉ , we propose a series of interviews and reflections that return the protagonism of pedestrian space to the streets , in order to learn about strategies and results of the most recognised urban interventions at this time , both nationally and internationally , and so that readers and urban planners in this field can assess the need to resume and prioritise active movement for citizens .
José Antonio Duarte Sastre is a leading professional in the field of healthy urban planning and urban physical activity . He is known for his innovative approach to integrating urban planning with the promotion of public health , especially with regard to active mobility , such as walking and cycling , and the creation of urban environments that promote the physical and mental well-being of inhabitants .
Throughout his career , JA Duarte Sastre has worked on projects that seek to transform cities into more inclusive , sustainable and healthy spaces . His work has focused on the relationship between urban design and physical activity , promoting the creation of infrastructures that favour an active lifestyle , such as parks , cycle paths , pedestrian zones and universal accessibility .
He has also been an advocate of urban planning that reduces car dependency and encourages the use of sustainable modes of transport . His professional profile combines technical expertise in urban planning with a focus on public health , working in partnership with local governments , organisations and communities to achieve healthier urban environments . To this end , he has been founder of LUB - Urban Bicycle Laboratory , belongs to the INGENTES research group ( HUM-958 University of Seville ), and lately coordinates the projects of the multidisciplinary team MOTRICITY .
42 OTWO 67 / FEBRUARY 2025