Italian cities and POLIS members are showing their commitment to sustainable mobility

Italian cities are making significant strides in promoting sustainable mobility. Members of the POLIS network are leading the charge through various initiatives aimed at transforming urban transportation.

Italian POLIS network members are being proactive developers of sustainable mobility. Through strategic investments in cycling and public transport infrastructure, these cities are paving the way for a greener and more efficient urban future.

Substantial funding for local cycling projects

A notable development is the allocation of funding to 471 municipalities under the 'Bici in Comune' initiative. This programme aims to promote initiatives dedicated to cycling mobility, improvements to cycling routes, cycle tourism projects, and activities involving local communities and schools across Italy.

Focusing on smaller towns, approximately 67% of the funds are designated to municipalities with populations up to 5,000 residents, 17% for those up to 80,000, and 13% for cities up to 300,000 inhabitants. Additionally, all twenty Italian regions will have at least one funded project, showcasing an equal distribution from north to south.

However, the commitment to increasing cycling-related investments is not the only example of institutional support for active mobility. On 13 April 2025, the city of Parma hosted the 'Cities, Territory, Active Mobility' conference as part of the FIAB (Federazione Italiana Ambiente e Bicicletta) national assembly.

The event brought together urban planners, local officials, and mobility experts to explore strategies for integrating walking and cycling into urban and regional planning. Participants underlined the importance of collaboration between local and regional authorities to build cohesive, accessible, and sustainable active mobility systems across the country.

Revival of tram systems in urban areas

In addition to cycling initiatives, Italian cities are witnessing a resurgence of tram systems as a sustainable mode of urban transport. Despite being originally a staple of public transportation, trams are being reintroduced to modernise and decarbonise city transit networks. This revival is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on private vehicles and lower urban emissions. Indeed, their electric nature makes trams the perfect fit in low-emission zones, which are experiencing an increase in popularity in all of Europe. The Italian administration has planned for a total of 250 km of new tram lines, representing a 63% increase compared to those currently in operation.

Data from Legambiente also shows that trams are well-received by users: in Florence, 2024 saw a boom in usage, with over 39 million passengers—an increase of 11.8% compared to 2023. Padua also recorded significant figures, with trams accounting for 25% of all public transport journeys. This highlights how trams are a successful alternative to private vehicles and that the public is growing more trusting of sustainable transport systems.

Bologna's integrated strategy for cycling and bike-sharing

Focusing on POLIS members, Bologna is a prime example of integrated sustainable mobility. Showcasing a high-level cycling network and a long-standing commitment to sustainability that won the city this year's EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award, Bologna has recently expanded its bike-sharing service. The new stations are in strategic areas, increasing access to eco-friendly transport options and connectivity throughout the city. Thanks to this plan, the first few months of 2025 already saw a 6% increase in bike rides compared to the previous year, despite the weather conditions being worse.

In parallel, the Metropolitan City of Bologna has taken additional steps forward regarding cycling mobility through the adoption of the Bicipolitana Design Manual.

Approved in March 2025 by Mayor Matteo Lepore, the manual was developed by the local Sustainable Mobility Planning Service in collaboration with STRADIVARIE Architects. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive technical guide for the design and development of high-quality, consistent, and inclusive cycling infrastructure across both urban and extra-urban areas.

This follows the earlier release of the 'Bicipolitana Signage Manual' and marks a milestone in the implementation of Bologna’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and Metropolitan Territorial Plan (MTP). The Design Manual not only ensures the continuity and recognisability of the cycling network but also provides a valuable reference point for cities across Italy and Europe that count on promoting similar cycling policies.

Rome, the Leadership Summit, and the commitment to sustainable mobility

On 14 May 2025, high-level urban mobility leaders gather in Rome for the fourth edition of the POLIS Leadership Summit. Hosted together with Rome's public transport agency, the Summit brings together a dynamic mix of leaders from government, business, industry, advocacy, and research. It is the perfect environment to foster cooperation between the public and private sectors and accelerate the transition toward sustainable mobility.

In the context of the Leadership Summit, the Rome Administration has the opportunity to bring Summit participants on a tour of the ambitious active mobility plan currently under construction in the Eternal City: the GRAB (Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Bici). Named after the city's famous ring road encircling the capital (GRA - Grande Raccordo Anulare), the GRAB will provide a safe, continuous cycle route integrating bike paths, parks, and cultural landmarks.

The GRAB is only one example of Rome's commitment to sustainable mobility. From the Piazza Venezia metro station, currently under construction, to the redesign and pedestrianisation of Piazza Pia, the Roman administration is reshaping the capital into a living space that relies less on cars and provides public transport and active mobility alternatives.