Udine launches the ‘Cycling against loneliness’ project

The Municipality of Udine, in collaboration with various associations, promotes social inclusion and more sustainable mobility

The Municipality of Udinein collaboration with various local associationsin the presence of the Mobility Councilor Ivano Marchiolof the Sports Councilor Chiara Dazzan and the Health Councillor Stefano Gasparinpresented today Cycling against loneliness, an innovative project that aims to promote social inclusion and more sustainable mobility.

The initiative, conceived and organized by I’M GOING THERE APS in collaboration with FIAB aBicitUdine, New Horizons Cultural Club, Pro Loco City of Udineand with the support of Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Friuli Foundation and Municipality of Udine, intends to offer everyone, especially elderly people and people with disabilities, the possibility of using special bicycles for free, making the city more accessible and liveable for everyone.

First experimental phase until March 31, 2025

The project, in fact, It provides for an initial experimental phase in which, until March 31, 2025, special vehicles will be available that can be used “on call”, thanks to the availability of volunteers. Anyone will be able to book a simple bike ride or be accompanied for errands and chores by sitting on one of the nice and comfortable vehicles available, pushed by the muscles of the many volunteers (and the support of pedal assistance) who will act as guides in the city.

The bicycles will be available in two strategic points of the city: in Piazza Primo Maggio near the bunker under the hill, therefore close to the center and also to the tourist information point, e at the New Horizons Cultural Club in Rizzi. A service that will therefore cover the center and the northern districts of the city, and within the overall project, also some areas of the neighboring municipalities of Martignacco, Tavagnacco, Pagnacco and Pasian di Prato.

Volunteers from associations available

There will be the possibility of walking on wheels to guarantee the possibility the volunteers of the associations involved. They will be responsible for collecting, accompanying people and returning bicycles.

To ensure the success of the project there is a need for many “pedalers”. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer and contributing to this important initiative you can register by filling out the form available at the following link: link.iocivado.org/volunteers.

Official launch on July 5th on the occasion of the Notte Bianca

The project will be officially launched on 5 July, during the “White Night”, in Piazza Venerio. On this occasion, An information stand will be set up where the volunteers of the associations involved will illustrate the service and offer the opportunity to try the bicycles. Starting July 8, bicycles will be available for free use.

The bicycles made available in the project are specifically designed to meet the needs of those with mobility difficulties but also constitute real green means of transport capable of attracting, due to their characteristics, a much wider audience: from friends ready for a ride and a chat, to the side-by-side tandem that allows you to ride together.

The means available

In Piazza Primo Maggio there will be a Veloplus, an e-bike owned by the Municipality of Udinedesigned for the transport of people in wheelchairs, a Chat Taxi Bike which allows people to converse during the journey, with side-by-side seats for better social interaction, and a tricycle called Fun2Go which allows two people to ride together, sitting next to each other, thus encouraging the sharing of the riding experience.

“This project represents an important step towards a more inclusive city that is attentive to the needs of all citizens. Collaboration between local institutions and associations is the key to the success of initiatives like this,” he declared Ivano MarchiolCouncillor for Mobility of the Municipality of Udine. “By bike against loneliness is an initiative that wants to promote social inclusion by allowing everyone to actively participate in city life and fight loneliness through shared activities and promote sustainable mobility, encouraging the use of ecological and accessible means of transport. We hope for maximum participation from both volunteers and users.”

An important milestone, the result of two years of work

“The realization of this project is an important milestone for us, the result of a journey that began two years agowhen we decided to become Remove Test Center and experiment with the use of these special bikes in various areas with the aim of improving the lives of many people” he explains William Del Negropresident of IO CI VADO APS.

“Many entities in Friuli Venezia Giulia, including municipalities, associations, retirement homes and day centres, have already equipped themselves with some inclusive bicyclesthanks also to the commitment of Francesco Favero, vice president of IO CI VADO APS, occupational therapist and university professor. In a degree thesis he demonstrated how constant use of special bikes over time brings benefits to disabled and elderly people on both a physical and psychological level.”

“Cycling against loneliness is an experimental route which sees, together with IO CI VADO APS, the involvement of the Municipality of Udine as a public partner and of three associations: Circolo Culturale Nuovi Orizzonti, FIAB aBicitUdine and Pro Loco Città di Udine. We hope that, thanks to an increasingly large number of volunteers, we will give those with reduced mobility the opportunity to visit Udine and its surroundings in peace and for many people to leave their homes.get moving and experience the city by observing it from another perspective”, concludes Del Negro.

The importance of physical activity for the elderly and disabled

“Physical activity is a fundamental pillar for physical and mental well-being. Numerous scientific studies have shown that regular exercise, such as that offered by these special bicycles, improves cardiovascular health, increases muscular endurance, and helps maintain a healthy body weight”, commented the Health Councilor Stefano Gasparin.

“These benefits are especially relevant for older adults and people with disabilities, who may often find it difficult to engage in traditional physical activities. The bicycles designed for the Cycling Against Loneliness project are designed to be accessible and comfortable, making physical activity more accessible to everyone. In addition to the physical benefits, physical activity has a significant impact on mental health.. Exercise releases endorphins, the so-called “happy hormones,” which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Plus, cycling outdoors, exploring the city, and interacting with others can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of isolation,” Gasaprin concludes.