European community for mobility management

Bicipolitana” is a project for the development of a surface subway network for bikes in Pesaro. The scheme is like the one adopted for subway/underground networks all around the world.
The basis of the project is the existence of an integrated bicycle network: different routes connected to each other, building up a network. Starting from this element, the innovativeness of the project consists in assigning a colour to each bicycle route, thus creating a network of lines with colours and numbers as is usually done in subway schemes. 

To date the network covers 65 kilometres, but as Mr. Andrea Biancani, Councillor for Mobility of the City of Pesaro, says, the “Bicipolitana” project aims to reach two targets by the end of 2012. The first is further development, with the addition of 5 kilometres of network, and the second is the improvement of related traffic signs. 

“In order to achieve a real interconnection of the bicycle routes,” Mr Biancani adds, “it is absolutely necessary that users are made aware of all available routes and possible directions in the city: that’s why a user-friendly scheme, based on colours and numbers, has been adopted.” Cyclists can find the “stop” name on apposite traffic signs along the routes, while the “line” number is indicated on the pavement, making routes easy to keep in mind.

Several lines (red, yellow, green, orange, etc) now connect different parts of the city. The most attractive routes connect the seaside to the inland. It seems that people have largely appreciated this innovative project, facilitated by the flat orography and mild climate of the city. Finally, a bike-sharing scheme with a code that can be used in other cities of the Region Marche, and several parking areas for public and private bicycles, will complete the project.

As far as the funding goes, although “time does not help”, says Mr. Biancani, “we try to access European regional funds. In parallel, we are committed to integrating these actions in town planning plans." A total amount of €26 million is planned for the implementation of the project. Special regard has been made for the type of bicycle routes. Cyclists do not share space with motor-vehicles but cycle along raised paths delimited by a line on the road and protected by special curbs.

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