Although it can't claim to be the first to introduce it, which is attributed to Olbia , it's clear that when you think of a 30 km/h speed limit in cities, your mind immediately goes to Bologna . The city administration 's decision caused quite a stir, even in the media, but ultimately it has brought undoubted benefits, convincing even many who were initially skeptical. Over time, the city of Bologna is changing because that slower mode of transportation is also having a social impact.
Valentina Orioli , Councilor in the Lepore administration responsible for new mobility, infrastructure, local public transport, Città 30, cultural heritage protection, and historic gardens, is convinced of this. The decision has also had a significant impact on Bologna's cycling image.
Our decision was driven primarily by safety concerns. We needed to reduce the number and severity of traffic-related accidents. The results are clear for all to see. Less severe impacts thanks to the reduced speed, and an overall 70 percent reduction in the number of accidents. This isn't necessarily enough, as we still have work to do on the city's layout, and cycling plays a fundamental role. We're considering new bike lanes as well as pedestrian areas. Many streets have been redesigned specifically to meet the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. The benefits are also evident in the numbers.
Have you developed statistics to verify the effectiveness of the measure?
ACI and ISTAT have done so . In the first half of 2024, compared to the previous year, for example, the percentage of deaths has halved , while nationwide there was a 7,9 percent increase. But all the indicators are declining sharply. It's ISTAT that says so, not us. This must push us to continue on this path and promote active mobility, such as increased bicycle use.
It's above all a cultural problem...
Exactly, these are longer-term effects, it's a job that needs to develop over time. We are working especially in schools, to make the youngest responsible, to encourage them towards soft mobility, also finding great support from cycling associations..An important work has also been that of the bicycle buses and the incentives for the use of e-bikeFor example, when there was a boom in incentives for purchasing scooters, we said no, investing instead in pedal-assisted bicycles. We work in synergy with RideMovi, the service that offers the rental of over 500 bikes for city travel, and now most of these are all electric.
What is the people's response?
Overall favorable, it's clear that such a decision is controversial, and even initially generates some opposition. However, citizens are primarily demanding greater security, and through this policy we are meeting their needs, as the polls and the numbers show. There's widespread support, but if we enter the political arena, things change.
Has your government's policy also led to official recognition?
Yes, and we're particularly proud of it. The Urban Award won by Padua this year had already been awarded to us last year, but I'd like to highlight the award given by the European Commission for Road Safety, together with organizations such as the Axencia Galega de Infraestruturas in Spain and the Center for Traffic Management Bavaria in Germany. But this isn't enough; we must continue to work on infrastructure, transform the city, and make it increasingly livable and in step with the times.
Does this also affect the cycle network?
Yes, we must respond to the strong general demand for more bike lanes, compliant with the new Road Code. We invested a significant portion of the initial PNRR funds in them, but we're not just looking at Bologna as a city; we must consider its entire territory, connecting our city with surrounding municipalities and their bike lanes. Furthermore, the work must not focus solely on building lanes, but we must also consider all the services necessary for cyclists, from parking to bike sharing . All of this must then be integrated with a broader policy dedicated to sustainable mobility, including the use of public transport.
Investing in bike lanes makes sense, however, if the city's urban and topographical structure is also carefully considered. How does Bologna fare in this regard?
Let's start with the assumption that our city, like all cities in Emilia, has a strong tradition of cycling. Bicycles are widely used, despite the city's hilly terrain. For this reason the use of e-bike It is ideal as a means of transport, but we must go further by also encouraging the use of public transport suited to the needs of the cityThe ultimate goal must be to reduce car traffic, which shouldn't be demonized, but simply framed within a broader context where citizens can take advantage of various alternatives based on distance, needs, and objectives.
