by InTrieste
On the Rive of Trieste, the picturesque waterfront of our city, what should be a smooth ride for cyclists along a recently inaugurated bike path often turns into an obstacle course. As barriers unexpectedly appear, riders are diverted onto crowded sidewalks, where they must navigate through throngs of pedestrians.
The 2.5-kilometer bike path, which opened a year ago at a cost of 590,000 euros (approximately $630,000), was long-awaited by residents and visitors alike. However, the path is regularly disrupted when cruise ships dock in the city, forcing closures to accommodate the movement of buses filled with tourists. These intermittent interruptions have turned the route into what local cyclists describe as a “stop-and-go” journey.
In response, FIAB, Italy’s national cycling association, has launched a petition calling for improved access and fewer disruptions. The timing of the petition coincides with European Mobility Week, a continent-wide initiative to promote sustainable transportation alternatives.
“We’ve counted 88 ships scheduled to arrive between June and September, with an average of 22 ships each month,” said Tiziana Ugo, the president of FIAB. “This means that at least every other day, cyclists face major disruptions. Closing the bike path is not just inconvenient for cyclists, but also for pedestrians, people with disabilities, mothers with strollers, and tourists.”
The Trieste Passenger Terminal, responsible for managing the cruise ship traffic, explained that the closures had been agreed upon with city authorities. Nevertheless, the company is open to further discussions with local advocacy groups.
FIAB, meanwhile, is urging cyclists to gather this Friday afternoon at Via Trento to sign the petition. The advocacy group is pushing for more consistent access to the path and improvements to its overall quality.
“It’s not just the closures,” said Luca Mastropasqua, a FIAB representative. “Some sections of the path still have the original asphalt, which is uneven and full of cracks. There are also tram tracks that pose a hazard to cyclists. At the end of the path, it transitions onto cobblestones, which is completely unsuitable for cyclists, especially those carrying heavy luggage as many are.”
The disruptions have drawn attention during European Mobility Week, as the city, like others across Europe, aims to encourage environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. Yet, for many in Trieste, the promise of a sustainable, cyclist-friendly city seems at odds with the current state of the bike path.
As local cyclists continue to press for improvements, the challenge remains: Can a city built on tradition and tourism also meet the growing demands for sustainability and modern infrastructure?
