RÁfael Escobedo de la Riva was returning home from his office in Santa Cruz de Tenerife when he took this photo. New bike lanes have recently been installed and drivers seem to take time to adjust. “There was some resistance and a lack of understanding by the locals to this new way of moving around the city,” says Escobedo de la Riva.
He took this photo in the aftermath of a particular incident and immediately knew he had captured something special. Many people have the impression of a red and white lighthouse against a blue sea, but his interpretation is much more grandiose: “I was actually reminded of Russian Constructivism from the early 20th century,” says architect Escobedo de la Riva. “The strong architecture and geometric composition” attracted him to the scene in the first place, adding that he “likes to inspire people to use their imagination and find these kinds of geometric compositions in their cities. We are surrounded by them.”
It’s been a few months since he took the photo and Escobedo remains a supporter of bike lanes. “It’s a great initiative, and it has positive aspects for our health and our planet, so I hope these issues will be resolved over time.” For now, he’s grateful for the opportunity during an uneventful commute. “When you pay attention, you can find beautiful surprises.”