Bologna is the first major Italian city to have – to all intents and purposes – become a Città 30 (30 km/h City). For many, the project simply means the introduction of a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h throughout the urban area, but its intentions go much deeper than that.
According to the intentions of Bologna’s administrators, it aims to be “a new concept of city” that “puts people’s health at the centre and seeks to eliminate road deaths.” This represents a significant shift for road safety and urban quality of life, following the example of numerous other European cities that have already adopted this measure with positive results. By reducing the maximum permitted speed on urban roads, the aim is to lower the risk of accidents and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Speaking of safety, three ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) figures are an important starting point:
- 73% of road accidents in Italy occur within cities
- 80% of victims in city accidents are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists
- speed is the absolute leading cause of fatal accidents in cities
In our courses and on our website, we have often said that in many cases, the 50 km/h speed limit in cities can be excessive. An impact at 30 km/h instead of 50 km/h significantly reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries, ensuring greater protection for vulnerable road users.
The new measure requires a change in perspective: certainly, it won't be easy for many to get used to. We will see the results of the new Città 30 over time, but if we look abroad, it seems worthwhile. Cities that have already implemented the 30 km/h limit report tangible results, with a significant reduction in accidents and an improvement in air quality.
Just a few figures. In Brussels, accidents dropped by 22% in the first six months alone, and the number of road fatalities and serious injuries halved. In Lyon, one year of Città 30 resulted in a 22% reduction in road accidents and a 40% reduction in hospitalised injured persons. In London, the speed limit of 20 mph (our 32 km/h) reduced accidents involving vulnerable users by 36% and pedestrian collisions by 63%.
In conclusion, the introduction of the 30 km/h speed limit in Bologna aims to represent an important step towards a safer, more sustainable, and more pleasant city to live in. Let's keep an eye on it.
