in ‘Kidical Mass’ Demonstration
A community cycling demonstration took place in Aljezur on Saturday, 27 September, bringing together 60 cyclists of all ages to call for improved road safety and cycling infrastructure.
WORDS Bettina Neher
Organised by Ciclistas de Aljezur in collaboration with kidicalmass.pt, the event ran from 11 am to 1 pm. The central message promoted during the ride was ‘criar espaço pela próxima geração – as ruas também são nossas!’ (‘create space for the next generation – the streets are ours too!’).
Calling for safe infrastructure
The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the specific safety needs of cyclists, particularly children on bikes, and to raise the profile of the cycling community in Aljezur. Advocacy for safer routes has been ongoing; the idea for Kidical Mass emerged from monthly Critical Mass rides that Ciclistas de Aljezur had been organising for a year, following the tragic death of a cyclist on the N120 last August.
The N120 is specifically highlighted in correspondence with the Câmara Municipal de Aljezur as one of the most dangerous routes lacking safe alternatives for cyclists. Cyclists stress that investment in basic infrastructure is essential for safe circulation throughout the municipality.
Participants are advocating for the creation of a safe infrastructure for mobility and cycling in Aljezur. While meetings with the câmara have referenced planned cycle routes and the expanded Ecovia, campaigners note that these plans still lack cycle paths suitable for everyday use by the local population, and implementation remains pending.
The groups are actively promoting an online petition to push for the execution of cycle paths connecting villages and access points to beaches. The initial requested infrastructure includes cycle paths linking Aljezur with Alfambras, Rogil, and beaches such as Arrifana, Monte Clérigo and Amoreira. This investment, supporters believe, could place Aljezur “on the map of Transition Towns for a sustainable future”.
What is Kidical Mass Portugal?
Kidical Mass (Massa Crítica de Crianças), which originated as a global movement in Germany (where it is known as Kinderaufsrad), was brought to Portugal in March 2022.
Kidical Mass Portugal operates as an informal and spontaneous collective of volunteers, predominantly mothers and fathers from across the country. These volunteers are concerned about the limited conditions for using active modes of transport – such as bicycles, walking, skating and rollerblading – for daily travel, a lack caused by the excessive dependence on motor vehicles. The fundamental goal is to provide visibility to the needs of families choosing active transport.
The movement’s main slogan is ‘Espaço para a próxima geração’ (‘Space for the next generation’). Internationally, Kidical Mass events typically occur twice annually, in the months of April/May and September/October.
Kidical Mass Portugal demands improvements in cycling infrastructure and the pacification of streets, especially those near schools. Specific demands include:
- the creation of safe school environments free from noise, air pollution, and motorised through-traffic
- the establishment of safe routes to schools
- the implementation of child-friendly road traffic laws, with “Vision Zero” as the guiding principle
- a 30 km/h speed limit in localities and on streets where people are present
- the construction of wide, continuous cycle paths featuring safe crossings on main roads
- the dedication of more public space for active mobility, and for people to stay or play
The day’s ride
The demonstration, which took place in good weather, began at the church square at 11 am. President of Aljezur Câmara, José Goncalves, was present at the start.
The route saw the group cycle through Aljezur to the sound of music and soap bubbles. They followed planned cycle paths towards the Piscina Municipal and finished at Amoreira Beach. All participants, including children, teenagers and adults, arrived at their destination after 1.5 hours without any accidents and in good spirits.
Sign the petition here.
