"As if cyclists, pedestrians, and trucks driving the wrong way weren't enough: on SS36, motorists now have to deal with wolves (or presumed wolves)."

When encountering articles of this nature, for those of us who have been promoting cycling for years, it's difficult not to feel a sense of discouragement. It becomes almost utopian to hope for a real cultural change that recognizes cyclists' right to be on the road with effective protection, as vulnerable users, and that finally attributes to bicycles the value they deserve: an ecological, healthy, and practical means of transportation, perfectly integrated into sustainable urban mobility.

The journalist – or presumed journalist, since the article is unsigned – equates cyclists and pedestrians with trucks driving the wrong way or even wolves. A metaphor that is not only unfortunate but profoundly harmful, because it reflects exactly the toxic mentality that is at the root of many road accidents: that of those who experience the presence of cyclists as an annoyance, as if they were infringing on the exclusive right of motorists to "own" the road, forgetting that roads belong to everyone, without distinctions.

This view ignores what is established by law: cyclists, pedestrians, and even motorcyclists are defined as vulnerable users and as such deserve greater protection, from a normative, cultural, and social perspective. Equating them to dangerous subjects is not only an error but a dangerous misinformation.

We are still far from countries like Spain, France, or the United Kingdom, where even the press has been educated to adopt a more correct, responsible, and respectful language towards those who choose to move sustainably. There, cycling is promoted, mutual respect is taught, and the social and environmental value of cycling is recognized. Here, instead, we read words that risk legitimizing aggressive behaviors and, in the worst cases, dangerous, harmful, or even fatal conduct towards the weaker road users.

Let's always remember: every time we trivialize or discredit those who choose to pedal, we fuel a climate that can turn into tragedy.

www.zerosbatti.it