Río Negro renews Bicipolicía fleet and pushes for provincial control of routes 22 and 151

The government of Río Negro province announced a public tender to purchase new bicycles and protective helmets for the Bicipolicía, the rapid‑action cycling unit of the provincial police. The call was published in the official provincial bulletin and follows a 2016 acquisition of 200 bicycles that had drawn criticism over pricing. Officials highlighted the unit’s role in urban patrols, crowd control and rapid response in congested or pedestrian‑only areas.

Separately, Río Negro intensified negotiations with the national government to transfer jurisdiction of National Routes 22 and 151 to the province. Provincial officials, including Minister of Public Works Alejandro Echarren and Catriel mayor Daniela Salzotto, cited severe deterioration, frequent accidents and the routes’ importance for logistics to the Vaca Muerta oil field. Governor Alberto Weretilneck has formally proposed that the province assume maintenance and improvement responsibilities, seeking an urgent agreement to ensure safe transit for residents and transporters.