Suellen Nunes*
Heavy traffic, a lack of bike lanes and the social and environmental challenges of the Amazon inspired a group of friends from Belém and Ananindeua, in Pará, to create an initiative that brings together sustainable mobility, climate justice and community engagement. This is how the ParáCiclo Collective was born in 2015, with the bicycle as an ally for rethinking the future of Amazonian cities.
The idea arose from the daily experience of cyclists, who already saw the bicycle as an instrument for social and environmental transformation. “In the Metropolitan Region of Belém, the culture of cycling already exists, but the lack of structural and safety conditions has pushed many people, especially women, towards motorized vehicles,” explains Leonard Grala, who is responsible for the collective.
When discussing the challenges of the Amazon, the members realized that cycling is not just an alternative for mobility: it is also a way of tackling social inequalities, promoting climate justice and reconnecting people to their territories.
Environmental objectives and actions
ParáCiclo works on different fronts that integrate active mobility, the environment and social participation. Its main objectives include:
- Promoting active and sustainable mobility, showing that the bicycle is a viable alternative for urban transportation, helping to reduce pollutant emissions and congestion;
- Combating social inequalities, as the bicycle is used as a tool for autonomy and empowerment, especially for women, children and residents of the peripheries;
- Influencing public policies, since the collective dialogues with public managers to guarantee investments in cycle paths and policies to encourage the use of bicycles.
In addition, of course, to raising awareness about the Amazon. In actions such as “Golden Bicycles in Cotijuba”, the means of transportation is used to bring people closer to the forest and awaken a sense of conservation. Among the projects already carried out are “Pedaling is Necessary, Amazonia Necessária!”, “Perifa na Pista”, which strengthens the role of women cyclists, and initiatives to collect and analyze data on mobility in Belém.
Community mobilization
Today, ParáCiclo has between 5 and 10 coordinators and around 50 volunteers. The actions also involve the direct participation of hundreds of residents from the outskirts of the capital of Pará.
Last year, the Mobility Circuit toured the outskirts of Belém to discuss the environment, the right to the city and sustainable transport. More than 300 people took part in the activities. “To engage the community, it is essential to work with local leaders and show that the bicycle is not just a symbol, but a call to action and socio-environmental transformation,” says Leonard.
Bicycles, education and the environment
In addition to the social impacts, the collective use of bicycles also contributes to environmental conservation. Among the benefits pointed out are a reduction in air pollution and fossil fuel consumption, a reduction in urban noise, a more rational use of road space and a greater connection between people and the city and nature.
Environmental education is one of the pillars of ParáCiclo’s work. The group promotes lectures, workshops and discussions on sustainable mobility, climate change and bicycle mechanics. For the coming years, the collective dreams of more humane, inclusive and greener Amazonian cities. “We want the bicycle to be an alternative for everyone, especially women, children and the elderly. Our wish is to see more cycle paths, more public policies and more people cycling,” say the members.
Actions at COP 30
In 2025, the collective will have a special agenda focused on the environment. For Amazon Day, on September 5, an action is planned during Bicicultura in Niterói (RJ). At COP30, in Belém, ParáCiclo will organize talks and a Pedal Manifesto, in partnership with the Union of Cyclists of Brazil (UCB) and international organizations.
IPAM* communications analyst.