COP31 Bike Ride Makes a Stop in Italy: Protest Tour for Sustainable Mobility

The international bicycle relay COP31 Bike Ride completed several stages in Italy in August and will continue its route from 3 to 6 September in Friuli‑Venezia Giulia. Documented stops include Avigliana on 20 August and the Adriatic coast on 29 August, with interim calls in Punta Penna and San Salvo. The route combines longer cycling stretches with individual sea crossings; along the way participants hand over position papers calling for a shift in transport and emissions reductions.

Local presence and formats

In the towns along the route, municipalities, civil society groups and associations acted as hosts. Municipal announcements report meetings with city representatives, escort rides, short information sessions and symbolic handovers of demand papers. The Federazione Italiana Ambiente e Bicicletta (FIAB) coordinated several sections and partner organisations.

Goals and symbolism

The initiative symbolically links COP30 in Belém (2025) with the COP31 scheduled for November 2026. It emphasises mobility’s dual role: as a source of emissions and as a lever for reduction by cutting motorised private transport. On‑site visibility is intended to build political pressure for an ambitious transport transition and to highlight good practice examples.

Why cycling matters

The transport sector is one of the largest greenhouse gas sources in Europe and Italy. Cycling avoids direct CO2 emissions, reduces air pollutants, frees up urban space and improves health through physical activity. Expanding safe cycling infrastructure also increases social inclusion by providing people without cars access to work, education and everyday needs.

From symbolism to demands

With the position papers handed over, organisers are calling for concrete measures: continuous and safe cycling networks; integration of bicycles with public transport; financial incentives for switching to cycling or e‑mobility; and national emissions targets that address the transport sector more strongly. Content and scope vary regionally; the handovers are organised decentrally and tailored to local priorities.

Response in municipalities

Several cities used the relay to present projects — from the expansion of temporary bike lanes to programmes for safer school routes. Press releases document participation, and regional media covered the route and meetings.

Information status

The information is based on municipal announcements, regional media and a news agency. Numbers on participants, distances and detailed demand packages vary by source; a central, complete documentation of the international relay is not yet available.

Outlook

In early September the route will continue through several municipalities in Friuli‑Venezia Giulia. Whether the action will have an effect at the national level beyond symbolic handovers depends on how well the demands are linked to existing funding programmes, urban planning and emissions strategies.