A thousand people mobilized along the Almirante Reis bike path in the biggest demonstration ever

It was just after 6 p.m. and around 500 people, mostly cyclists, were already gathering in Martim Moniz Square. The goal: demonstrate for the maintenance of the bike lane on Almirante Reis and for the continued expansion of the city's cycling infrastructure, but also for a A more humane and inclusive Lisbon for everyoneincluding for those on foot.

At around 6.30pm, the demonstration began with a parade through the Almirante Reis bicycle pathThe march started at Martim Moniz Square and made its way to Alameda and then back down to Martim Moniz, following the downtown area to Praça do Município. New people joined in along the way, by the middle of the avenue there were already 600 demonstrators and when the group returned to Martim Moniz the organization counted 800 participants. At the Town Hall Square, more people joined on bicycles and others on foot, bringing the number of people present to a thousand, of various ages, genders and mobility options. It was the biggest ever demonstration by cyclists in Lisbon.

The figures were compiled by the organizers of the demonstration, which was called via social media. In the Facebook eventMore than 1,200 people responded. The resources made available by the Public Security Police (PSP) proved to be insufficient for such a large turnout and were reinforced. The PSP ended up temporarily cutting off traffic on Avenida Almirante Reis for the safe passage of the group, with officers enlisting the help of civilians at some points. The PSP's calculations, provided to the organization, put the number of attendees at 3,000.

Among the participants were members of the new executive, such as Rui Tavares, from Livre, Beatriz Gomes Diasfrom the BE, Miguel Gasparformer PS councillor for mobility, and Ana Jarafrom the CDU. All the councillors had been invited to the demonstration by letter by the organizers, including Mayor Carlos Moedas, who didn't show up. The rally ended in front of the Town Hall in Praça do Município, where speeches were made by various people and a bicycle was attached to the pillory.

"This issue has entered the political debate in a tainted way. What we want is a more balanced solution and for everyone to be able to get around. What we're asking for is a dialog"said Miguel Pinto, one of the organizers of the protest, quoted by Lusa news agency. “I've always lived in Lisbon and my mode of transportation is the bicycle. This cycle path has brought me to the commerce of this area. It's on a central axis that is used by many people"said Catarina Lopes, who was also part of the organization.

During the election campaign, Carlos Moedas promised to remove the Almirante Reis cycle path and revise the city's entire cycling plan, while committing to expanding the network of cycle paths. The demonstration took place the day after the new executive took office. The portfolios are not yet known, but Ângelo Pereira is expected to take over the mobility councillorship. In his inauguration speech, Moedas stressed his desire to build policies with the people, involving them in the city's decisions.

This was the third demonstration by cyclists in Lisbon in the space of a year and a half. At the start of the 2020 and 2021 summers, two vigils mobilized hundreds of people in Campo Grande e on Avenida da Índiawho called for safer cities for everyone.

It was historic. It was the largest mobilization *ever* of bicycle users (and pedestrians) in the city of Lisbon, surpassing the two previous ones (Campo Grande and Avenida da Índia, both very recent) 🚲 pic.twitter.com/XJZMuSctEO

- Mário Rui André (@mruiandre) October 19, 2021