Urgent: Italian Cycling Federation Calls for Members as Campaign Gains Momentum – Pordenone Shows the Path Forward
PORDENONE, ITALY – The Italian Environment and Bicycle Federation (FIAB) is in the thick of its 2026 membership campaign, actively seeking to expand its community of cycling advocates across Italy. This isn’t just about bike rides; it’s about shaping the future of urban spaces and advocating for safer, more sustainable cities. The push comes as communities like Pordenone demonstrate the tangible benefits of a strong, local FIAB presence. This is a breaking news development for anyone interested in cycling advocacy and urban planning, and is optimized for Google News indexing.
From Spinning Class to City-Wide Impact: One Member’s Story
Luana Casonatto, president of FIAB Pordenone Aruotalibera, shared her personal journey with the organization, beginning in 2001. “I met FIAB almost by accident, talking to a friend at the gym,” Casonatto explained. “I’d just sold my racing bike and she told me about a group in Pordenone who got around entirely by bicycle, organizing excursions to explore the surrounding area.” Her story highlights how FIAB often starts with small, local connections, blossoming into significant community influence.
30 Years of Progress: How FIAB Transformed Pordenone
FIAB Pordenone is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, a testament to its enduring impact. For three decades, the association has consistently advocated for cycling-friendly infrastructure and policies. The results are visible today: Pordenone has maintained a prestigious “4 bike smiles” rating from ComuniCiclabili since 2018, recognizing its commitment to cycling. Perhaps even more impactful is the beautiful cycle/pedestrian path that now weaves through the city’s parks, a direct result of FIAB’s persistent efforts. Casonatto poses a compelling question: “Who knows what would have happened if there had been no FIAB in Pordenone?”
The Elevator Pitch: Convincing a Stranger at a Red Light
So, how do you quickly convey the importance of FIAB to someone you’ve just met? Casonatto’s approach is simple and direct. “At a red light, I ask if they know that their ability to cycle safely in the city is, in part, thanks to FIAB,” she says. “I offer them our brochure, emphasizing the value of our insurance coverage.” At FIAB events, the core message resonates even more powerfully: “We all need a city with fewer cars and where we can get around safely by bike.” This speaks to a growing desire for more livable, sustainable urban environments.
More Than a Hobby: A Decade of Dedication
For Casonatto, FIAB isn’t just an organization; it’s a passion project. “It has become a second job for 10 years now, a type of activism that I do with great pleasure, even if it takes a lot of work to obtain meager results,” she admits. However, she also notes a significant shift in perception. “After years, today in Pordenone everyone knows what FIAB is. We are no longer the group of losers who get around on bicycles.” This transformation underscores the power of consistent advocacy and community building.
Looking Ahead: National Coordination and the Future of Cycling Advocacy
Casonatto envisions a FIAB that is even more impactful in the next decade. She highlights a key challenge: the disparity between the strength of FIAB chapters in northern and southern Italy. Her hope is for a streamlined national membership system that relieves local associations of administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on advocacy. “We need the Federation to play the role of main interlocutor at a national level with regards to mobility and the urban regeneration of public spaces,” she explains, advocating for ambitious projects and partnerships. This vision reflects a broader trend in the associative world, where collaboration and strategic partnerships are crucial for success.
The FIAB’s 2026 membership drive isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a powerful, unified voice for cycling across Italy. The success stories emerging from cities like Pordenone demonstrate the tangible benefits of a strong FIAB presence, from improved infrastructure to a more sustainable urban environment. For anyone who believes in the power of cycling to transform cities, now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of mobility in Italy. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and insights into the evolving landscape of urban planning and sustainable transportation.
