In Doria's São Paulo, Nike doesn't like bikes.
The privatizing logic of the Doria administration reached the point where a sports company sponsored the removal of a bike path in Ibirapuera Park, one of the first on the city hall's list to be sold; one of the first projects sponsored by Nike in the park is the removal of a bike path in the park in the southern zone of São Paulo.
Forum Magazine - Throughout his mayoral campaign, João Doria (PSDB) sent a very clear message: he will privatize everything possible in São Paulo. And that's exactly what he's doing. The Privatization Plan has the support of a majority in the City Council, and the "partnerships" with private companies – which exempt the city government from fundamental responsibilities – are proceeding at full speed.
One of the last partnerships of the PSDB (Brazilian Social Democracy Party) administration was with Nike. The company was granted the right to renovate running tracks and soccer fields in Ibirapuera Park, the first on the list of those to be privatized. In return, Nike could display its logo in the park. One of the first works in the partnership with Nike has already begun: it involves the removal of a bike path. That's right. A removal.
The privatizing logic of the Doria administration has reached the unimaginable: a sports company sponsoring and placing its logo on a project to remove a cycle path. The image of the construction sign, placed this Sunday (10), quickly went viral on social media.
The city government has not yet provided further details regarding the removal of the bike lane, nor whether another one will be put in its place.