The 2025 National Assembly of the Italian Environment and Bicycle Federation (FIAB) concluded on Sunday in Parma at the Palazzo del Governatore, with numerous members, delegates, and institutional representatives in attendance. The event alternated between internal discussions and a packed public program, centered around the conference "City, Territory, Active Mobility": in this context, urban cycling emerged as a key factor in promoting health, social cohesion, and economic vitality. The numbers confirm this: a European Union survey reveals that centers with the highest quality of life are also those with the highest percentage of bicycle trips.

"A recent study by the University of Athens on 30 Cities has highlighted that reducing the maximum speed to 30 km/h, in addition to decreasing collisions and noise pollution, has on average reduced emissions by 18% with peaks of 29%; fuel consumption has instead decreased by an average of 7%, with peaks of -11%," highlighted Francesco Baroncini (ECF – European Cyclists' Federation).

The numerous interventions confirmed that active mobility is the core of an innovative, inclusive, and future-oriented urban model: a well-designed public space, consisting of parks, squares, cycling and pedestrian paths, where to build a more connected, welcoming community centered on sustainable lifestyles. Moreover, the identity of cyclists and pedestrians was redefined: no longer "weak" or "vulnerable" users as read in the Highway Code, but "precious" users to be valued. This is the communication guideline suggested by the European Cyclists' Federation, of which FIAB is a part, marking a cultural perspective shift.

Furthermore, one of the most significant moments of the assembly coincided with the intervention by Patrizio Bianchi representing the Network of Italian UNESCO Chairs (ReCUI), with which FIAB signed an agreement in 2024 to promote urban life quality through active mobility. The agreement aims to integrate the academic expertise of these centers of excellence with the territorial roots of the Federation and its network of local associations. Together, the two entities will work on educational projects, awareness campaigns, and technical support for local authorities to encourage good active mobility practices, particularly for home-school and home-work routes: an important synergy that embraces education, citizenship, and urban transformation towards more equitable and healthy models.

"Today, the bicycle is an instrument of participation in collective life, but this community must be built on founding values. At the FIAB assembly, I found real shared solidarity; as well as the will to think about those who will come and those who have no voice, also through active mobility, driven by the desire and ability to live together," Bianchi declared.

The second part of the conference was dedicated to political discussion, with significant institutional interventions. Carlotta Bonvicini (Councillor for Climate Policies and Sustainable Mobility in Reggio Emilia and ANCI delegate) reiterated: "With ANCI, we promote the One Health principle, which relates human, environmental, and social health. Promoting cycling, slow, natural mobility is an act of care towards the body and the territory we inhabit. It's time for a paradigm shift: not a technical choice, but a cultural and political one." Irene Priolo (Regional Councillor for Mobility and Transport in Emilia-Romagna) emphasized the administration's concrete choices: "For too long, we have designed cities thinking only about cars. Today in Emilia-Romagna, we invest over 200 million euros annually to encourage public transport and projects like bike to work, but we need a national leap forward. The Green Deal is not an obstacle, it's the key to sustainable territorial development. Public space is as precious as people's lives, and it's time to rethink it more justly and efficiently."

The presentation of successful case studies was accompanied by an in-depth examination of road safety: "The 30 City is much more than a speed limit: it's a model that returns to people safety, breathable air, a more equitable public space. Bologna's data prove this: zero pedestrians killed in the first year, -49% road deaths. More bikes, more safety," explained Andrea Colombo, an expert in urban mobility and safety. Ludovica Ramella from the Po Basin Authority brought attention back to the river's importance as a natural and infrastructural resource: "The UNESCO MAB 'Po Grande' Reserve works to connect cycle paths, villages, and river sections, enhancing local identities and involving young people in a new development vision. The ROBIN project, with 13 municipalities, is a concrete example."

The event was finally an opportunity for the renewal of the Federation's national positions. Luigi Menna (in the photo) was elected new FIAB President, while Susanna Maggioni will serve as Vice President. "The Parma assembly marked a turning point: today we're not just talking about bikes, but a new model of city and community. My election to the FIAB Presidency is a great honor for me, but above all a shared responsibility. We want to strengthen our action in the territories, dialoguing with institutions and supporting courageous choices that put people at the center. Active mobility is an instrument of social justice, health, and democracy: we will build our work on these values in the coming years," Menna declared. Simultaneously, the new National Council was appointed, which will guide the Federation in the next three years, with the goal of strengthening the role of bicycles in public policies and the country's daily life.