The event, organised by local initiative 3horas in collaboration with the global Kidical Mass movement, invites families to join a bicycle train starting at São Sebastião Bar at 10:45.

Families, friends and cyclists ride a scenic loop through Ericeira, returning to Parque Santa Marta to end with a picnic. Everyone is welcome — kids, parents, friends, scooters, skateboards — the more wheels, the louder the message.

Credits: Supplied Image;

“Bike-friendly cities are child-friendly cities. Every child should have the right to a safe school route.” says Christina Ribeiro, whose son Leonardo was recently involved in a traffic accident on his way to school. Ribeiro has started a petition for safer routes to school in the Mafra region.

This ride is not just a protest — it’s a call to action. Ericeira has the potential to be a cyclist’s paradise. But today, many families feel unsafe letting their children bike to school, and choose for a car ride instead. We demand change: slower traffic, wider bike lanes, and safe crossings — especially around schools.

Number of bicycle accidents on the rise

Portugal’s roads are getting more dangerous. In 2023 alone, 26 people died in accidents involving bicycles and scooters — a 36% increase from the previous year. Accidents involving these vehicles rose by over 38% compared to 2019, according to the National Road Safety Authority.

While fatalities have slightly decreased, serious injuries and overall traffic incidents continue to rise, including for children and vulnerable road users.

What we're asking for

This local protest echoes the demands of Kidical Mass protests happening across Portugal this year, including in Mafra on May 24 and Ericeira on June 8.

We’re asking for:

  • Safe, pollution-free school environments
  • Protected, continuous cycling routes to schools
  • Traffic laws centered around child safety and Vision Zero
  • 30 km/h speed limits in residential and pedestrian areas
  • Safe crossings and wider bike paths on main roads
  • More public space for active mobility and play
  • Parking spaces for bicycles and scooters in public areas

Join us

We’re calling on the entire Ericeira community to show up. Bring your bikes, scooters, skateboards — and your voice. Let’s ride together, and show that kids deserve the right to ride safely in the town they call home.

About the organisers

Kidical Mass is a global movement promoting active transport and safe streets for children and families.
🌐 https://kidicalmass.pt | Instagram: @kidicalmass.ericeira

3horas is a local Ericeira initiative that connects newcomers and locals through social and sustainable volunteering. Residents donate 3 hours of their time to support community-driven projects — building bridges between cultures and generations.
🌐 https://3horas.org