Multimodal Mexico City

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February 9, 2023

Having learned about the Mexico City bikeshare program called EcoBici, I decided to give it a spin today. I woke up and walked over to Rutas cycling cafe for breakfast of eggs, avocado, beans and a latte. Then I walked a block to the closest EcoBici station on Mazatlán. I scanned the QR code on the bike and “click” it was free to take. I headed off to Parque México to check out the morning activities.

You can’t go anywhere without seeing a reference to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Here is a curbside altar, A man stopped on his bicycle to say a prayer and cross himself.

Parque México had similar acitivities as other parks in the early morning, with sparring boxing, zumba, and calisthenics. But there was much more dog activity with throwing and retrieving balls and socializing amongst dog owners.
One of the first things you notice in Mexico City is the amount of green space.

I went back and found another EcoBici to grab and headed off to the Angel of Independence, one of the most famous Mexico City landmarks. Traffic got heavy as I neared the biggest thoroughfares, so I spied another EcoBici parking point and left my bike. Better to go on my foot, and better for photography.

Having reached the Paseo de la Reforma, I found the famous fountain with Diana the huntress.
…and the traffic was classic traffic jam that I associate with Mexico City.
A man was biking with his husky dog.
A poor woman was walking the street trying to sell little candies to make few cents and have money for her infant’s food. I took her portrait and gave her some extra cash. You will note she has a pigment disorder, vitiligo
This woman gave up her motor bike and now commutes by bike. What a change for Mexico.
Street portrait of another man on Pasea de la Reforma

After getting my fill of street portraits and walking the area, I hopped a MetroBus headed to the anthropology museum in Chapultepec Park

The famous courtyard fountain I still remember from my last visit here in 1985
The stunning calendar stone of the Mexica people
The stunning feathered serpent from the pyramids of Mexico City.
A wonderful protected bike and pedestrian path back into the downtown, and heading back to my apartment.

It’s been three wonderful weeks of exploration, new friends, and learning, but I’m ready to head back home. I’ll catch my plane at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Hopefully by passing through Atlanta to Grand Rapids, I’ll miss any delays likely in Chicago O’Hare.

2 thoughts on “Multimodal Mexico City”

  1. Thomas B Hoeksema Sr

    Thanks for the photographic narrative of your discoveries, and occasional misadventures!

  2. grbocceman

    Your descriptions and photos of Mexico City are nothing like I would have imagined. It looks like a beautiful city and the amount of greenspace is quite a surprise.

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