Lisbon, famously known as the city of seven hills, presents a challenge for widespread bicycle use as a cost-effective mode of transport within the city. However, the Drive Impact cooperative, through its Ciclopes project, has been tackling this obstacle by providing specialized training to children and teenagers in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods on bicycle usage. This educational initiative promotes seamless and active mobility, fostering social inclusion and integrating individuals within the urban landscape.

The Ciclopes project's motto, "Flatten hills. Flatten bias. Fatten inequalities," encapsulates its core mission. While "Flatten Hills" symbolically addresses the geographical challenge, "Flatten bias" is pivotal in debunking the stereotype that bicycles are only for the economically disadvantaged. This prejudice, often prevalent among low-income populations residing in social neighbourhoods, tends to associate car ownership with socioeconomic advancement.

Moreover, "Flatten inequalities" underscores the project's aim of empowering teenagers to explore beyond their neighbourhoods independently, using bicycles to navigate the city's terrain. The project provides bicycles for loan, offers training on safe cycling practices and urban navigation, and facilitates bicycle maintenance and repairs.

Since its inception in December 2020, the project has engaged over 2,200 participants in more than 200 events, accumulating approximately 850 hours of activities. This initiative aligns with Lisbon's broader promotion of bicycle usage. Over the years, the city has expanded its cycling infrastructure, with the cycle path network growing from 90.5 km in 2017 to 173 km as of November 2023, during which Lisbon held the title of European Green Capital. Additionally, the municipal fleet of shared bicycles has expanded to approximately 1,600 bikes stationed across 130 locations, with affordable passes priced at €25 annually, €15 monthly, and €2 daily. 
 

https://ciclopes.pt/

https://driveimpact.pt/

https://www.gira-bicicletasdelisboa.pt/

https://www.lisboa.pt/cidade/mobilidade/meios/bicicleta/mapa-rede-ciclavel

https://www.ciclovias.pt/?lat=38.72525&lng=-9.15006&z=12&m=d&l=3

SDG 4 - Quality Education
Promote education for sustainable living and development.

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
Encourage physical activity to improve health and reduce traffic accidents.

SDG 1 - No Poverty
Enhance empowerment to increase travel independence across the city, improving access to public services and employment opportunities. 

1. How does Ciclopes project “flattens bias”?
2. What is the operational model of the Ciclopes project?
3. What is the total length of cycle paths in Lisbon? 

Edu.In – Associação para a Educação Integral