Detailed description (English): The citizen João Lopes Guerreiro Marmota, from the locality of Alhos Vedros, who turns 81 the 29th of November, received last october the 8th, from the hands of the Mayor of Moita Rui Garcia, the "Paddle Distinction". This distinction was held by the occasion of the public presentation of PAES – The Sustainable Energy Action Plan drawn in the context of the Covenant of Mayors (http://www.covenantofmayors.eu), a commitment of mayors from all over Europe to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20% in the year 2020.
This “Paddle Distinction” was created by the Municipality of Moita and the regional Energy Agency Senergia, to present alive and inspiring examples of the preferential use of bike for daily transportation, a vehicle with less impact on the environment, due to the absence of emission of gases with greenhouse effect.
João Marmota never wanted to have a car driving license. He bought his first bike when he was working in CP (Trains of Portugal company), and since retired this is his main means of transport. Currently, he works voluntarily in CACAV, a local NGO, and is a board member of Alhos Vedros Pensioners Association. In his homeland he is known as "the fireman" and highlighted by his voluntarism and his good humor. He rides the bicycle for 40 years, making every day an average of 7-10 km, always slowly. And advises everyone its good for health and the environment.
"By pedaling we manage to live better and improve the environment," said João Marmota on occasion, thanking the Municipality of Moita the distinction and the "bike lanes that the city council has built." "I always feel safe there" he said.
Photo at:
http://www.cm-moita.pt/frontoffice/pages/970?news_id=3215
Target group(s): All citizens
Objectives: To raise awareness to soft mobility (bike)
Expected Outcomes: More people using bikes for daily transportation at the territory of Moita Municipality
Partner: Municipality of Moita and Senergia - Regional Energy Agency