Reasons for cycling in Portugal

Cycling has positive effects on health, the economy, the environment and civic engagement.

The National Strategy for Active Cycling Mobility aims to privilege active mobility over individual motorized transportation. Enshrined in Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 131/2019, this strategy emphasizes the excellent cost-benefit relationship and significant advantages that cycling offers in critical areas affecting everyone’s quality of life.

Active Mobility encompasses non-self-propelled transportation methods, involving deliberate and necessary physical activity. This includes walking and cycling.

Using bicycles contributes to most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. There are compelling reasons to promote cycling within a sustainable mobility framework.

Health benefits

Chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular, oncological and respiratory conditions have physical inactivity as a major risk factor, according to the World Health Organization. Regular cycling for daily commutes helps reduce risks and associated pathologies related to sedentary lifestyles.

When using bicycles, there is a reduction in the reliance on motor vehicles, leading to decreased air pollution and noise. Fewer motorized vehicles also result in lower accident rates

Economy strength and employment

For distances of 3 to 5 km, cycling is the fastest and most reliable mode of transportation. Practically, this translates to quicker travel and easier parking near destinations. Greater labor productivity results from reduced delays in urban commuting and lower energy-related transportation costs, which balances the country’s trade. Reduced absenteeism due to illness is an additional benefit.

Cycling benefits the local economy by increasing average visits to commercial establishments and overall per capita consumption. According to the Tourism Strategy 2027, cycling-related tourism activities significantly contribute to diversifying offerings and attracting international demand.

Additionally, the estimated €900 million annual healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity could potentially decrease (figures referring to the Portuguese National Health Service).

Portugal, the largest European bicycle producer in 2020, 2021 and 2022, (with 2.6 million, 2.9 million and 2.7 million bicycles produced, respectively), also gains from job creation and economic growth linked to increased bicycle use.

Currently, the bicycle industry is responsible for approximately 650 000 jobs, and it is estimated that the number of electrically assisted bicycles in circulation in Europe is 6.5 million, a figure that could surpass 60 million by 2030

It’s favours the environment

Commitments from the Paris and Glasgow Agreement, aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, necessitating progressive decarbonization of the economy. Transportation plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.

The Portuguese Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality and the National Energy and Climate Plan stipulate that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 45% to 55%, and 45% to 47% of energy consumption must be from renewable sources. Walking and cycling are rational energy-efficient options, especially compared to cars, making people and goods transportation more efficient. Bicycle production also has a smaller environmental footprint than automobile production.

Shifting from car use to active modes reduces noise and air pollution.

It promotes citizenship

Active mobility gives children and young people more autonomy, responsibility and perspectives for exploring the world around them and allows for significant savings compared to a taking students to school daily by car.

Improving security for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, or people with reduced mobility is an advantage. Cycling «contributes to the humanization of cities and promotes the exercise of citizenship, participation in public life and social inclusion, reducing inequalities, increasing the sense of community and individual and collective well-being». To achieve this, public space must guarantee safety and comfort conditions.