Goodbye to that long snake of cyclists, often generating glares between those on the pedals and those behind the wheel of a car along mountain bends and winding hill roads. In derogation from the general single file rule, in fact, cyclists will be able to proceed side by side in twos and in groups of up to ten people, even outside residential areas, but only when the roadway allows for safe overtaking by motor vehicles, guaranteeing a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres.
It is one of the steps of bill presented to the Chamber of Deputies by the Honorable Roberto Pella of Forza Italia, vice-president of Anci and president of the Professional Cycling League. The consideration reached by the first signatory of the bill – there are 11 other honorable proponents – is that this driving method – already successfully tested in other countries – reduces the times and risks of overtaking, compared to a long single file which forces cars to use the opposite lane for longer.
The objectives of the bill being examined by the Chamber (AC 2489), which intervenes again on the Highway Code after the recent law of 9 April 2025, n. 58, already approved unanimously and aimed at simplifying authorizations for road sports competitions, starts from a consideration: the cyclist remains a “weak user” of the road, exposed to high risks due to the “disproportion between the bicycle and motor vehicles”.
Helmet mandatory for those who play sports and for minors
Among the other changes envisaged is the obligation to wear helmets for cyclists who practice sporting activities using technical footwear that binds their feet to the pedals, a typical condition of road and competitive cycling. The obligation becomes general for all minors under 18 years of age, whether they ride a bicycle or are transported. The goal is to reduce head trauma, one of the main causes of serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Rear lights always on, even during the day
To increase the visibility of cyclists, the proposal introduces the obligation to keep a red rear light on at all times of the day and in any conditions of visibility, whether continuous or intermittent. A measure that incorporates good practices already widespread in other European countries. For bicycles for sports use, the obligation to wear white front lights at night also remains.
Technical supply also for training
Furthermore, the proposal extends the possibility of authorizing technical escorts not only to competitions, but also to athletes’ training on roads open to traffic. A technical specification, which will be defined with a joint provision of the Ministries of Infrastructure and the Interior, will establish who can request the escort, in which cases and with what operating methods.
A “license plate number” for bicycles
To combat bicycle theft, a mandatory identification code is introduced on the frame for all bicycles produced from 1 January 2026. The number will be registered with the Civil Motorization Authority and linked to the owner’s data, facilitating the recovery of stolen vehicles and the traceability of changes in ownership.
Road education also for those who drive cars
Finally, the proposal intervenes on driver training: the rules on the circulation of bicycles, the obligations of motorists towards cyclists and the behavior to be followed in the presence of technical escorts must also be included in the quizzes for obtaining driving licenses.
