Bicipolitana Bolognese: a rural/urban revolution

Ziele/Ideen

The Bicipolitana Bolognese offers a wayfinding system focused on flexibility, allowing cyclists to reach their destination either by following a specific line (either time-efficiency-based or scenery-based) or by combining different paths following an always-safe, customised path.
We have also paid particular attention to developing an effective communication strategy to promote the use of the Bicipolitana and spread a cycling mobility culture. Additionally, we have developed a brand useful to unify and coordinate ever aspect of the cycling culture in the diverse areas of the Metropolitan City.
The Bicipolitana Bolognese is therefore the symbol of a new vision that, starting precisely from sustainable mobility, creates a metropolitan network for the livability of the whole urban and rural area of Bologna, where a strong propensity for challenges is historically rooted, and where the “saper vivere bene” (knowing how to live well) combines with economic, social and cultural aspects.

Kurzbeschreibung

The Metropolitan City of Bologna (formerly the Province of Bologna) has set itself the ambitious goal of promoting the daily use of bicycles, both for commuting and leisure across urban and rural areas. The core of the project is the idea of creating a network of cycling routes that allows users to freely choose their own itinerary.
As Helios, we were mainly involved in the development of wayfinding for the cycle network. The goal was to create appropriate communication and signage that would enable users to quickly read and recognise the routes.
The signage is partly based on the Italian traffic laws, incorporating existing and familiar images and dimensions for cycling network users, making it safer and easier to understand.

Resultate

Currently, the project is under evaluation, and therefore, no quantifiable data is available. However, we can provide data on the current status, updated to 2024:
The network consists of 1000km of safe cycling routes, communicated as followed:
– 20 “time-efficient” routes (namely routes where different urban and rural areas are connected as straight as possible in order to move quickly),
– 14 leisure routes that connect the very same areas (and more on top), where instead of speed, panorama is playing the main role.
As of today, out of the 1000kms:
– 43% exist/are in now construction,
– 31% are planned,
– 15% are designed and funded,
– 11% are designed but not yet funded.

A qualitative assessment of the project can be carried out:
– From a social perspective, the project enhances mobility, flexibility, and safety, improving well-being and reshaping social interactions.
– Regarding environmental impact, each kilometer traveled reduces CO₂ emissions by 21 grams, with future estimates to

Partner

City of Bologna: coordinator of the innovation area in urban space transformations for Fondazione Innovazione Urbana, a multidisciplinary center for research, development, co-production and communication of urban transformations serving the construction of the future imaginary of the city of Bologna