Stakeholders meeting in Piedmont Region
Yesterday, key stakeholders of Piedmont Region gathered at the Grattacielo Piemonte for the first Stakeholders Meeting of the project in the Piedmont Region.
The meeting, held in the Sala Trasparenza from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, also marked the official launch of European Mobility Week, a significant event promoting sustainable transport across Europe, and was organized by the Project Partners Piedmont Region and West Sesia Irrigation Association. Michele Marino, Head of the Transport and Infrastructure Investment Area, served as the event's moderator.
The hybrid event was attended by over 80 stakeholders in person, with an additional 40 participants joining the discussions online
The session began with opening remarks from Marco Gabusi, Regional Councillor for Transport and Infrastructure, and Stefano Bondesan, President of the Ovest Sesia Irrigation Association. They emphasized the need for sustainable transportation infrastructure and the value of cycling routes integrated with regional watercourses.
"The Piemonte Region," said Marco Gabusi, "intends to continue its policy of reducing car usage in favor of more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling, both for daily commuting and as a means of promoting tourism. Our goal is to create a continuous, safe, and integrated cycling network along waterways, encouraging a shift in mobility habits and fostering the exchange of knowledge among various local actors."
Riccardo Palma from the Politecnico di Torino, Advisory Partner of the project, presented an overview of the Cycling Waterways project, outlining its goals and expected impact. Cristina Fabrizio and Ottavio Castelletti from the Piemonte Region’s Transport and Infrastructure sector introduced the regional cycling mobility plan, the main policy instrument addressed in the project. This ambitious plan focuses on developing strategic cycling routes across the region, with 62% of the total 1,237 km of routes running along rivers, 9% (106 km of 1,124 km) following canals, and 10% (420 km of 4,290 km) situated along torrents.
Several presentations followed, including the challenges on the multiple uses of canal embankments and their role in fostering both irrigation and sustainable mobility, presented by Diego Teruzzi, Director of the Ovest Sesia Irrigation Association. Caterina Truglia from ANBI ITALIA discussed the crucial role of reclamation consortia in managing these spaces.
Later in the session, representatives from various regions shared experiences on cycling along waterways. Luca Cremona from the Lombardy Region, Enrico Becattini from Tuscany, and Maria Teresa Massa from the City of Turin presented successful examples of riverbank cycling infrastructure in their respective areas. Luca Franzi from the Po River Interregional Agency explained the progress of the Vento Cycle Route, particularly the functional lots being developed in Piemonte.
The day concluded with a discussion on the regulatory framework and hydraulic compatibility of bike paths near public waterways, led by Bruno Ifrigerio from the Piedmont Region, responsible for the Technical Sector and in charge of hydraulic authorizations. Giorgio Ceccarelli from the Italian Federation for the Environment and Bicycle (FIAB) closed the sessions, presenting insights on the potential for eco-tourism along these cycling routes.
This meeting is the first stakeholder meeting focused on improving policies on cycling in the Piedmont Region, and not only fostered productive discussions among stakeholders but also set the stage for a week of events focused on promoting sustainable mobility during European Mobility Week.