The new Highway Codecurrently under discussion in the Senate, includes a number of significant changes, including the possible elimination of cycle lanesa measure that has sparked several controversies. This proposal, strongly supported by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, puts at risk years of progress in promoting sustainable mobility in Italy.
Cycle lanes, introduced in 2020, represent one portion of the roadway reserved for cyclistsmarked with a simple white line on the asphalt. Although they do not offer physical protection from car traffic, they have nevertheless contributed to improve road safety and to encourage the use of bicycles in Italian cities.
The cancellation of cycle lanes is justified by the government with the argument that they are for cyclists. However, this vision is contested by associations such as Anci (National Association of Italian Municipalities) and by sustainable mobility experts, who underline that these lanes have in any case a positive impactespecially in urban contexts, where space is limited and creating physically separated cycle paths would be too expensive or difficult to achieve.
Hopes are pinned on an amendment
During the pandemic, cycle lanes have been a quick and economical solution to expand the cycling network in Italian cities, allowing a growing number of people to adopt cycling as a means of daily transport. This measure also has contributed to reducing traffic and pollutionpromoting more sustainable mobility.
However, with the elimination of the lanes provided for by the new Highway Code, there is a risk of a significant step backwards. The abolition of cycle lanes could result an increased risk for cyclistsforced to share the road with car traffic without a visual sign indicating their space. This could not only increase the number of accidents, but also discourage the use of bicycleswith negative consequences for urban mobility and the environment.
To avoid the definitive approval of the new Highway Code and protect the cycle lanes, hopes are pinned in an amendment that can block or modify the current text. If the amendment were approved, it would guarantee a second debate in the Housethus safeguarding the important role of cycle lanes in promoting safe and sustainable mobility.
