Sustainable mobility: “Bici in Comune” call for proposals to encourage bicycle use kicks off
The national “Bici in Comune” project, promoted by the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, with the support of the Department for Sport, in collaboration with Sport and Health and ANCI, is an important opportunity for Italian municipalities interested in promoting sustainable mobility and cycling tourism.
In fact, the initiative provides up to 100 percent funding for projects that aim to encourage bicycle use, with a positive impact on the area in both environmental and economic terms.
Each municipality will then be able to obtain from 50,000 € to 150,000 € in funds that can be used for:
- Economic incentives issued to users for the use of owned bike expendable in all commercial and cultural activities in the city;
- Promote local attractions through bicycle tourism;
- Bicycle promotion events with budget targeting local schools and associations;
- Digitization of bicycle and bicycle touring routes;
- Upgrading of bicycle infrastructure (e.g., lighting, glow-in-the-dark paint).
The fund has a total budget of 12.6 million.
Objectives of the call
The call aims to transform city mobility through innovative solutions that encourage the use of bicycles for daily commuting. Expected benefits include reducing pollution, decongesting urban traffic, and supporting local commerce. Project proposals may include activities to create networks of bike-friendly municipalities and places, map bicycle routes and points of tourist interest, and initiatives to engage citizens and tourists through interactive and playful ways.
A unique opportunity for local governments
For the first time, the government is making available financial resources dedicated exclusively to promoting cycling as a means of daily transportation. This tool proves particularly effective when integrated with infrastructure interventions, such as the creation of bicycle lanes and safe areas for bicycle parking.
A distinctive aspect of the call is the focus on direct economic incentives to citizens, aimed at rewarding the use of bicycles in home-to-school, home-to-work or to sports facilities. These incentives, expendable at local businesses, are a key element in encouraging sustainable mobility and boosting the area’s economy.
How to participate
All Italian municipalities interested in participating in the project can apply exclusively through the Sport and Health Platform, which can be reached at https://bandi.sportesalute.eu/, until noon on Jan. 13, 2025.
The “Bike in the City” call is a significant step toward more sustainable and bicycle-friendly cities, confirming the commitment to greener and more efficient mobility.
For more information: https://www.sport.governo.it/it/notizie/pubblicato-lavviso-pubblico-bici-in-comune/
