When his son turned 5 and already knew how to control his own bike, the father decided to accompany him, also on two wheels, to his school in Parque das Nações, but he didn't want to go alone: he invited other fathers, mothers, and children. Thus was born Orient Express CycleA train of bicycles, one behind the other, one beside the other - parents and children on their way to school in a totally sustainable and, above all, fun way.
The first train left on May 25, 2015 and, on the very first day, it took 12 children. Parents, volunteers and members of the Parque das Nações Parish Council ensured that every Friday, the CicloExpresso do Oriente continued to take children to the Parque das Nações School. In early 2017, another CicloExpresso appeared - the one in Barrocas, Aveiro. Also this one led by parents was successful and continues to bring children to Barrocas Elementary School.
CicloExpresso was a pioneer project in the creation of bicycle trains in Portugal and obtained significant visibility, having had multiple references in the media. It was also recognized as a Portuguese success story by the World Health Organization in the field of physical activity promotion in schools.
Inspired by this initiative that was CicloExpresso, the Lisbon City Council will now promote its own "bike trains" in several schools in the city during the current 2020/21 school year. The Lisbon Municipal Bike Train Program is open and any parent can sign up their child, by simply filling out this form.
For now, the "bike trains" are available in only three schools:
- a Parque das Nações Elementary SchoolIt runs once a week; it starts at Rua Capitão Cook, running along the Passeio Heróis do Mar and Alameda dos Oceanos. The route may be adjusted according to the addresses of those on the train.
- o Pedro Arrupe College: weekly on Tuesdays; starting on Argonautas Street, running along Alameda dos Oceanos, then passing through Terreiro dos Corvos, and finally along the Sea Heroes' Promenade.
- and the Dona Filipa de Lencastre Group of Schools: this line is developed with the support of the Government's Environmental Fund and runs daily from Monday to Friday.
The Lisbon Municipal Bicycle Train Program is a program through which children ride their bikes to school accompanied by adult monitors. Just like a normal "train", it has a defined line/path and schedule, and any child can ride it to school. According to the Lisbon City Hall, this program's mission is to raise awareness and promote the adoption of active and sustainable mobility habits when commuting to school, empowering children to use the bicycle utilitarianly and autonomously in a real situation, by offering a safe and fun alternative.
The program is free; passengers must bring their own bicycle and need to know the basics: to have reasonable balance on the bicycle (without wheels and without frequent falls); and to know how to use the brakes. More information can be found on this page.
