Every year, calendars are wasted in great quantities, but among these, some have a truly special value. These are the ones dedicated to various Police Forces, those normally displayed in neat order on the walls of many public offices. More than practical calendars, they are institutional testimonies, institutionally desired and prepared by various Departments, where they institutionally want to represent the best of their activity and the many services offered for the community's benefit, particularly those that citizens feel closer to and that better convey the dedication - and sometimes the sacrifice - of men and women in uniform.
The activity of Police Forces is very complex, and despite the commitment and the best professionalism involved from time to time, it is difficult for anyone to provide an organic representation of their sector using, in many cases, only 12 photos, one for each month of the year.
Normally, these calendars only arouse admiration, a desire to own or buy them, knowing, moreover, that the proceeds are destined for charitable works. All without a hint of controversy.
This year, however, not everything went as in previous occasions, and what caused a scandal, so to speak, is the 2025 State Police calendar, released without even a single photo dedicated to the Road Police Specialty, almost as if this component did not exist, despite road traffic being one of the great issues of a nation, even more so in Italy, which has been bombarded for months about the major road code reform.
Understandable, therefore, is the bewilderment and bitterness of the meritorious ASAPS (Road Police Friends Supporters Association) and its president Giordano Biserni, for a choice evaluated as "incomprehensible and unfortunate", which does not do justice to Road Police members despite their daily commitment and "the sacrifice of 421 colleagues who lost their lives in service from 1945 to 2024". A calendar, moreover, in Biserni's words, "in which among the dark black and white images they even put one of a policewoman adjusting a male colleague's tie, never mind all the talks about patriarchy and the role of women".
Bitterness and bewilderment, which beyond ASAPS, it is hoped will also shake the sensitivity and disappointment of other sectors of our composite society, starting, in particular, with the cycling world.
Cycling and Road Police have been forged over time as two sides of the same coin, spent on safety and sports promotion. From epic times to more recent ones, from field presence to the common elaboration of laws and regulations capable, through subsidiarity and solidarity, of ensuring a future for road cycling despite growing difficulties.
For this reason, apart from the calendar's affront, I want to imagine the great Italian cycling family looking all the men and women of the Road Police in the eye, expressing to them every recognition together with the deep and affectionate wish for a 2025 made of safety, serenity, adequate means, coherent staff, and good working conditions.
Meanwhile, continuing to lend us a hand is already a good start.