The habit was established: on the last Friday of every month, at 6:30 p.m., and with a meeting point at Marquês de Pombal, several cyclists would get together to ride through some of Lisbon's streetsThey are a "critical mass", showing that there are a good number of them. However, in the meantime, the pandemic and lockdown took hold and these meetings were suspended. So the first one of 2021 will be held safely this Friday. Everyone is invited, just show up at 6:30pm at the Marquês.
Critical Mass is a monthly bike ride for to celebrate the use of bicycles and to affirm cyclists' right to the road. The idea began in the US city of San Francisco in 1992 and quickly spread to other cities. In Portugal, it is usually held in Lisbon, Oeiras, Porto and also Faro. Also known as "Bicicletadas", Massa Crítica events are celebrations attended by users of bicycles, scooters and rollerblades, skateboards and other vehicles associated with so-called soft mobility on the streets, making them visible by the number and density of the concentration.
The Lisbon Critical Mass is the oldest and most active at national level, and has been taking place since 2003. The Marquês de Pombal is historically the meeting and starting point. The faces of the Critical Mass have changed over the years, following the evolution of cycling in the city. Each Critical Mass usually ends with a chat and sometimes a drink or dinner in a place defined by those present. The route is also defined by the participants, there are no fixed or predefined programs. The aim of these initiatives is also to provide moments for those who choose cycling as their means of transport to meet and socialize, making it possible to make friends, exchange ideas and share experiences.
If you want to join Massa Crítica Lisboa this Friday, just show up at Marquês de Pombal at 18:30. Departure will be around 7pm. The use of a mask is essential to carry out this informal ride in safety, where cycling itself already allows for natural physical distancing. From now on, Critical Mass will be held every last Friday of the month.
