Lift the ban on bicycles in the centre of Palermo - for truly sustainable mobility

Description: On January 18, 2024, a petition was launched to the Municipality of Palermo, opposing a municipal ordinance that, since December 13, 2013, prohibits bicycles from crossing the main roads of the historic center of Palermo (Via Maqueda, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Ruggero Settimo), without even foreseeing the construction of alternative, valid, and safe bike lanes, as many parties had requested. After numerous protests against the ordinance, the municipality decided to exclude the two extreme sections of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the time slot from 5:00 to 9:30 in the morning from the prohibition. The petition, supported by various third-sector entities such as CESIE, CSC, LAND, and self-organized citizen movements like Critical Mass Palermo, calls for the lifting of the ban on bicycles and scooters on Via Maqueda, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Ruggero Settimo. At the same time, they request the creation of two bike lanes that would ensure cyclists the possibility of moving safely through the city center, connecting with existing lanes (Dante-Praga) and those under construction (Oreto-Stazione-Policlinico), and significantly reducing the presence of bicycles in pedestrian areas. Citizens supporting this petition emphasize that bicycles are not the problem; they are a significant part of the solution. Cyclists and pedestrians can coexist in Palermo, as in the rest of Europe, without neglecting the need to penalize those who misuse bicycles and scooters, as already provided by the Traffic Code. Those who have chosen sustainable mobility should not be harmed, penalized, or harassed. They should be rewarded, encouraged, and protected. Link to the petition: Lift the ban on bicycles in the centre of Palermo- for sustainable mobility Comments: Did you know about the restriction? Do you think it is useful? Do you have similar situations in your cities? Let us know in the comments!