Government of SP and Emae announce R$24 million to renovate cycle paths and reinforce safety on the banks of the Pinheiros River The government of São Paulo and the Metropolitan Water and Energy Company (Emae) announced on Wednesday (10) an investment package of R$24 million to improve infrastructure, safety and environmental quality on the banks of the Pinheiros River. The announcement was made jointly by the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) management and Emae, a company that was privatized in 2024 and, around three months ago, became controlled by Sabesp. Interventions include the restoration of cycle paths, reinforcement of lighting, installation of monitoring cameras and protective fences along the river. According to Emae, the works must be completed within 150 days. One of the main actions will be the renovation of the approximately 3-kilometer stretch of the cycle path between Parque Bruno Covas and the Socorro region, in the South Zone of the capital. The location presents problems such as deteriorated asphalt, lack of signage, tall grass and lack of protection between the road and Marginal Pinheiros. File photo shows São Paulo residents cycling on the Marginal do Rio Pinheiros cycle path, South Zone of the capital of São Paulo Valéria Gonçalvez/Estadão Conteúdo The contrast is visible to anyone using the route. While the approximately 8 kilometers of cycle path inside Bruno Covas Park are in better condition, the following stretch is a frequent target of complaints from cyclists. Since last year, SP2 has highlighted the conservation and security problems in the region several times. At the time, there was uncertainty about who was responsible for maintaining the stretch. Emae, owner of the banks of the Pinheiros River, stated that it intends to standardize the cycle paths on both banks of the river. "These are interventions aimed at improving the experience of those who use the cycle path on both the east and west banks. We are talking about infrastructure, security, railings, fences, lighting and even police to help on both sides of the road", said the company's CEO, Rafael Strauch. Lighting, railings and cameras In this first phase, the works include the restoration of lighting, the installation of railings between the Marginal Pinheiros lane, towards Interlagos, and the cycle path, in addition to the implementation of monitoring cameras. According to Emae, the restoration of the asphalt and signage on both banks should be completed by November. In addition to the immediate works, the company stated that it is studying expanding access to cycle paths and creating new connections between the two banks of the Pinheiros River. "This will be done in conjunction with the state government and São Paulo City Hall. We need to study how these accesses would happen because they are roads with very significant movement. We will evaluate the viability for cyclists and pedestrians", said Strauch.