Ana Lúcia Bento becomes latest victim to insecurity facing cyclists in Portugal
Sunday saw yet another cyclist lose her life – and this time, it was a very well known local figure in Leiria, businesswoman, mother-of-three, and candidate for Iniciativa Liberal in the upcoming municipal elections, Ana Lúcia Bento.
Ana Lúcia, 46, died following a collision with a car in Carvide, Leiria, on Sunday morning.
Details of the accident have not been explained, but the mere fact that it occurred has caused shockwaves in many directions – not least among the cycling fraternity that has been trying to make citizens aware of the vulnerability of cyclists, and the lack of consideration shown to them, both by drivers and/ or city/ town councils.
One comment from the cycling world simply said: “I am publishing this (news of Ana Lúcia Bento’s death) for all those that have criticised me to think about this problem; reflect a little”.
Another said: “Another tragedy… Portugal continues to lag behind the rest of Europe in road deaths due to political choices (and a serious lack of education and respect behind the wheel). Urgent changes are needed.”
This was echoed throughout the streams of people who have reacted to Ms Bento’s death.
Iniciativa Liberal lamented the tragedy in a post over social media.
Ana Lúcia Bento was the executive director of Inocos Cosmetics, and the Inocos Academy, a keen sportswoman and, by all accounts, an impressive woman with a great deal to live for.
Her passing has caused the same kind of shock and disbelief that marked the death of Pedro Sobral in December last year, again during an early morning bike ride.
