Detailed description (English): During the time of European Mobility Week, the “City Network South Tyrol”, an interest association of the eight South Tyrolean cities, is organising a project for their visitors which promotes sustainable mobility for all interested citizens. Its implementation is scientifically monitored by the Institute for Public Management of Eurac Research Bozen-Bolzano.
The project is called “South Tyrol, experience your cities by bike!” and is composed of various activities in the eight cities of South Tyrol, which includes initiatives on the central themes of cycling, urban space, nature and culture. During the event, visitors can travel from city to city by bike along the "South Tyrol Cycle Route” and/or by public transport and experience the local cities. In the cities, a varied program of events for young and old awaits those interested. Some examples of the actions organised are bike tours through the city together with the mayor, bike repair workshops, bike auctions, bike lessons for children, scavenger hunt by bike, presentations and lectures by experts and testimonials as well as guided rides along the valley cycle path from one city to another.
In addition to raising awareness of sustainable mobility, the aim is to give visitors the possibility to get to know the cities behind the scenes, witness inner city revitalization and participate in cross-city networking activities. A key aspect of the project is the involvement of local stakeholders such as bike service providers, gastronomy, trade businesses, sports and cultural associations, volunteer organizations etc.
Target group(s): The target group of the project is the local population – however, the focus is not only on the cities’ residents, but all South Tyroleans. The creative and varied program attempts to offer various experiences to all age groups as well as people with different interests. Also tourists are invited to participate in the project. The primary aim is to promote sustainable mobility, especially among locals, as well as demonstrating the efforts of South Tyrolean cities towards sustainable mobility to regions beyond the borders of the area. Participation in the event and in the various activities will be free of charge for visitors apart from exclusive services and services that require additional fees.
Objectives: The visitor project has several goals regarding the four pillars of sustainability (ecological, social, economic and cultural). The specific goals set by the City Network South Tyrol are:
To raise awareness among the South Tyrolean population about sustainable mobility (especially bike mobility) in and between the urban centers of the country, the increased use of bikes also in the everyday life of South Tyrolean residents (beyond touristic or recreational use), revitalization of the city centers, urban development as well as strengthening of a positive image of the South Tyrolean cities, the support of cross-town cooperation and mutual exchange and consequently saving resources, the promotion of the valley cycle paths and the mobility project "South Tyrol Cycle Path", to grant a look behind the scenes of the cities, the promotion of urban initiatives related to cycling, culture and local food specialties as well as to strengthen the connections of the local population to the cities.
The project will thus generate various benefits in all four sustainability dimensions: Ecological benefits, which result from raising the awareness of the population for bike mobility and the bicycle as a means of transportation in everyday life beyond the boundaries of cities and municipalities. After all, sustainable mobility leads to a more careful treatment of nature, a healthier population and resource savings in many areas. Furthermore, the project seeks to present the cities’ sustainable mobility services to the population.
Also in the area of social sustainability, the visitor project leads to benefits: By involving various actors in the respective cities, urban communities are strengthened and promoted. Different population groups are addressed by thematic diverse activities, so that participation in the project is encouraged among the entire local population. This will create networks and provide occasions to meet different people, while at the same time strengthening connections between the cities. Thus, the project aims to create a sense of community within the South Tyrolean population. Another project outcome regarding social sustainability is the improvement of the relationship between the municipalities and the citizens, as the activities create opportunities for exchange and participation. Through activities like a bike ride with the mayor, a low-threshold meeting opportunity between the city and the citizens is offered.
With regard to the economic sustainability , the optimization of financial resources through networking between cities will be targeted by the project. The cooperation of the City Network members will facilitate combining resources, creating synergies and optimizing organizational processes. In addition, the project will promote bike mobility in the cities and along the "South Tyrol Cycle Path", thus generating visitor flows in and around the cities. This will result in economic benefits for many local stakeholders (such as shop and restaurant owners, museums, service providers, etc.) in and around the urban areas.
In addition to the three main pillars of sustainability, benefits for the cultural sustainability of South Tyrol's cities will be developed during the project. Especially after the period of lockdowns and restrictions on freedom of movement through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to support cultural interests of the population again. In the course of the project, the cities will offer easily accessible cultural highlights connected to bike mobility. Thus, the project also aims to contribute to a long-term cultural change in mobility and consumption habits.
Partner: Städtenetzwerk Südtirol City (City Network South Tyrol); members of the City Network South Tyrol: Bozen, Brixen, Bruneck, Glurns, Klausen, Leifers, Meran, Sterzing; Raiffeisenverband Südtirol; Autonome Provinz Bozen Südtirol
Italy