Lisbon continues to be a car-dominated city, despite efforts to promote more sustainable modes of transport. Rosa Félix, teacher and researcher at Técnico, warns of the increase in car use in recent years and the negative impact on children’s autonomy: “In Lisbon, what we have seen is an increase in car use for at least 10 years. And a decrease in people walking, mainly to take children to school. Around 50% of primary school students arrive at school by car. This has very serious implications, not only for the development of children but also for their dependence on cars, on a daily basis, on every trip they make.”
Tale House
The lack of investment in safe infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians is one of the main obstacles. “It is not enough to create cycle paths or pedestrian zones; it is necessary to limit car use and define clear priorities”defends Rosa Felix. The researcher and specialist in urban mobility is recognized for her work on active mobility policies, consultancy for municipalities and promotion of bicycles as a means of transport.
The example of cities like Paris, which have reduced surface parking spaces, shows that it is possible to reverse the trend.
Despite some progress, such as the increase in bicycle users thanks to sharing systems, the coverage of these services is still insufficient and concentrated in the center. “Without security and parking conditions, you cannot change habits”, highlights the researcher.
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José Fernandes
The pressure to create more free parking reveals that the car continues to be privileged in political decisions. “It is necessary to invest in segregated cycle paths, safe parking and improve public transport. Only in this way will Lisbon be able to take the leap towards more humane and sustainable mobility”, says Rosa Félix.
Lisbon has ambitious goals for cycling, but the pace of change is far from sufficient. “If we want to reach 4% of bicycle use in 2025 and 10% in 2030, there is a lot to be done”, warns Rosa Félix.
Furthermore, Portugal is significantly behind in meeting the 2025 targets of the National Strategy for Active Cycling Mobility (ENMAC). The objective was to reach 3% of bicycle trips nationally and 4% in cities, in addition to building 5 thousand km of cycle paths by the end of 2025.
The most recent data shows that the country is very far from achieving the objective.
For the guest of the third episode of Mobi Boom, Portugal and Lisbon need a clear strategy, with well-defined priorities and realistic goals.
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Mobi boom is Expresso’s new podcast dedicated to mobility, innovation and quality of life in cities. Journalist Luís Costa Branco, father of two children and urban cyclist for several years, shares in this series of short interviews his passion for more sustainable and practical forms of travel.
Over the course of six months, the podcast will explore topics such as electric cars, scooters, bicycles, public transport, urban logistics, gardens and smart cities. A listening proposal for those who believe in greener, more humane and efficient cities.
Listen and subscribe to Mobi Boom on Expresso or your favorite podcast platform. New episodes every Sunday.
The way we move defines how we live. Mobi Boom is a weekly podcast about mobility, innovation and quality of life in cities. From electric cars to smart neighborhoods, we explore the ideas, technologies and trends that are transforming the urban fabric and our quality of life. If you believe in greener, more humane and practical cities, this podcast is for you. New episode every Sunday.
Mobi Boom is an Expresso podcast, produced by Tale House, and the first season is supported by Kinto.