Established in 2018 by the United Nations to raise awareness of the social benefits of using the bicycle as a means of transport and for leisure, World Bicycle Day on Saturday 3 June is the ideal opportunity to reaffirm the potential of the bike — a tool that is accessible to everyone — in driving an accessible and inclusive transition in mobility. A transition "within pedalling distance", so to speak, to decongest roads of traffic and restore space and liveability to people, and to reduce dependence on cars (and fossil fuels), starting with everyday journeys.

Fiab relaunches the message of Ecf, the European Cyclists' Federation

Fiab, Federazione italiana ambiente e bicicletta, on this occasion acts as the spokesperson for the international message of Ecf, the European Cyclists' Federation, of which Fiab is the Italian member, reaffirming both the necessity and the possibility of a rapid ecological transition leading towards healthier, more sustainable and inclusive societies — in short, we might say "fairer" societies. To this end, it is calling on the Italian government to establish a permanent fund for urban cycling infrastructure and routes. President Alessandro Tursi states that "after the cuts to funds earmarked for urban cycling in the latest budget law, it is now necessary for the government to provide a permanent fund for urban infrastructure and cycling routes, to enable local administrators of every political persuasion to develop cycling mobility with ease, particularly for home-to-work commuting.

The bicycle," as Tursi emphasised, "is a real, ready-made solution for pursuing energy and climate transition goals in a simple and affordable way, at considerably lower costs — both for private citizens and for public coffers — compared with developing motorised mobility, whether electric or not."

From this perspective, equally fundamental is the progress of the Città30 proposed law, drawn up by Fiab together with other environmental and road-safety associations: a desirable, zero-cost solution to promote safe coexistence in urban space for all road users, as demonstrated by the towns and cities in our country that have already embarked on this path (Cesena, Olbia, Bologna and many others).

To celebrate the day, there will be numerous events in various Italian cities, from north to south, including Rome, where "La Festa della bicicletta" will be held for the first time — an event organised by various associations on the Appia antica, which will be closed to cars for the occasion. The gathering runs from 10am to 1pm for a picnic on the lawns with music. The full programme of rides and events can be found on the Fiab website, andiamoinbici.it.

The bicycle leading the transition: the voice of Velocity conference

"Leading the transition" was the title of the latest edition of Velocity conference, the world summit on active mobility organised by Ecf. This year the event was held in Leipzig in May (each year it is hosted by a different city) and attracted more than 1,400 attendees from 60 countries. It brings together people working in urban planning and cycling, with activists alongside prominent political figures (ministers, mayors, local councillors), university lecturers and researchers, consultants and industry companies.

One of the main themes of the conference was the redefinition of public space, so that it may be returned to people and to human relationships. In this sense the bicycle plays a role of public utility, as demonstrated by the many "virtuous" case studies presented during the sessions. Discussion also turned to equity and rights, and to concrete actions that can rapidly transform the face of urban environments. The question of language and communication was also raised, with the emphasis that the transition brings with it a necessary change of course — a cultural shift oriented towards people's wellbeing.

As was reiterated from the stage, "it is not enough to cycle — we must take space away from cars, not only on the roads but in people's minds," putting an end to a "car-centric system." For this reason, Ecf, on World Bicycle Day too, underlines that the transition concerns everyday life and marks the shift towards healthier, more inclusive and sustainable societies. To mark 3 June, we make our own a motto that circulated at this latest edition of Velocity: "The bike gives you the freedom that the car promised you."