Presentation

Despite Portugal being the largest producer of bicycles in the European Union (Eurostat data for 2019), the modal distribution of cycling mobility in Lisbon is still quite low (below 1% in 2017) when compared to the European average (8%) (Faith20). By applying transitional measures to encourage cycling - such as the implementation of cycling infrastructure and bike sharing systems (Fé20) - the Lisbon City Council has committed to pro-cycling mobility agendas over the last decade. In fact, it hosted the European Cycling Federation Conference, Velo-City, in September 2021. Transport studies have shown that the city's orography does not explain its low modal distribution of bicycle use: 54% of the streets are almost flat, and 75% are "good enough for cycling" (below the 5% slope ) (Faith19; Faith20). In addition to Lisbon’s perception of the “seven hills”, other factors are beginning to be identified that are considered to be able to hinder the increase in cycling mobility, such as types of pavement, the feeling of insecurity when pedaling, and the behavior of car drivers ( Faith19). The identification of these barriers aims to support the design of policies to increase levels of cycle mobility in cities like Lisbon, with “low cycling maturity” (that is, with a low modal share in the use of bicycles and few infrastructures dedicated to cycling mobility) ( Faith19).

These cities with alleged “low maturity” are generally considered to have no historical experience in cycling mobility (Fé19). But is this really so? History shows that cycling mobilities were part of the past in cities like Lisbon. Furthermore, it also shows that the factors that limited its use are historically rooted processes.

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