Of naked cycling and other movements

Of course, public nudity is forbidden under Portuguese Law – but that’s not what was important here. The event was all about an initiative that has already been taken up in various countries.

It has three objectives: to call attention to the vulnerability of cyclists; to give an environmentally-friendly message and to publicise the use of the bicycle as a viable form of transport. In fact the whole thing reminded me of a German colleague we used to work with a few years back. Often he cycled from Silves to Portimão – facing endless risks among chaotic traffic on the EN125, particularly during the summer.

One day, admiring his determination, I said by way of praise how surprised I was to see so many bicycles when I first visited one of his nation’s large cities. And he replied: “And I am surprised that you people here, with such a fabulous climate, don’t use bicycles more often”. I should never have opened my mouth. In certain Dutch towns – let’s take Groningen as an example: half the population travel by bicycle.

I am not trying to say we’re anti-cars – or that we’re hypocrites. I’m just trying to suggest that maybe now’s the time to re-think attitudes and call, once and for all, for more quality in our urban environments.

In the Algarve, we have an excellent example: Vila Real do Santo António. There’s a cycle path there that’s not so long, but very popular. On Saturday mornings you’ll find locals using it to go shopping, or just to enjoy themselves … It would be good if this council invited other regional mayors to spend some holiday time in Vila Real, and learn about this alternative mode of transport.

Another initiative that almost past unnoticed took place on 6th June, also in Faro, and was a walk promoted by three independent citizens – two of them handicapped. It was called “Towns are Handicapped” and was so ignored by the media that it actually prompted a complaint to RTP1’s telespectator board.

Happily though, these days, all such movements are freely discussed and publicised on social networking sites. It’s a new wind of change, forever blowing stronger. Who knows where, in a not-so-distant future, it may take us…