April 7, 2008

Residents Of São Paulo Get On Their Bikes

by Lourenço Bustani (PSFK São Paulo / Mandalah)

With the biggest traffic jams in the world, new social movements aimed at finding alternatives to cars are sprouting in São Paulo. One such movement is the “bicicletada” (Portuguese for “a bicycle ride”) which began in the past few months as a way to encourage Paulistanos - who complain about traffic but, in practice, do very little to combat it - to pick up their bikes and rides.

The goal is to create a critical mass that celebrates freedom from “traffic imprisonment”. Like Critical Mass in the US, the group meets once a month at a pre-determined location in the city and cycles through town causing a more acceptable form of jam — that of actual people on bikes.

The “bicicletada” is still in its embryonic stage and therefore has limited participation, but has definitely shown signs of future growth potential in a city of disenchanted and fed-up drivers.

Source: http://apocalipsemotorizado.net/

Article categories: Automotive, Environmental