The four steel lines will run 755 metres over the forest between Sugarloaf and Urca Hill, and riders will reach speeds of 100 kph . Inauguration is scheduled for the second half of this year, and an online petition to halt work has been signed by almost 11,000 people.
It is also a popular spot for sport climbing and birdwatching with preserved Atlantic Forest in a conservation unit, which towers over the sleepy Urca neighborhood. As such, the prospect of riders buzzing down wires while screaming wildly has united mountaineers, environmental activists and residents in opposition. They caution UNESCO could withdraw its heritage status. One protester on Sunday held a sign reading, "S.O.S.
Parque Bondinho Pao de Acucar, which operates the cable cars and is behind the 50-million reais project, said in a statement that sound tests indicate noise from riders will not be perceptible from below, nor will it affect climbing routes. It says it has obtained all the necessary authorizations and licenses for the project from the national heritage institute and municipal authorities, and it touts the ability to drive tourism.
Prazeres told The Associated Press her association wasn't approached until after work was already underway, and amid complaints. Juliana Freire, president of another residents association, told the AP the company brought up its intention to develop the zipline during a 2022 meeting about another subject, but never made any formal presentation.