Iconic City of Florence Making a Big Move to Reward Cyclists for Ditching the Cars

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, the place that the Medici’s built, you know the one. Well, this iconic Italian city is now pioneering a new renaissance in urban mobility. Beginning June 3, the city will launch an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging daily commuters to swap their car keys for bicycle helmets. With a substantial fund of 1.2 million euros, Florence is set to reward cyclists with monetary incentives, marking a significant step towards sustainable transport and healthier lifestyles.

The Pedala, Firenze ti Premia Initiative

The aptly named “Pedala, Firenze ti Premia” (Pedal, Florence Rewards You) programme is designed to nudge commuters towards greener and more active modes of travel. This initiative will span one year, during which participants can earn up to 30 euros per month simply by cycling to work or university. The financial perks include 20 cents per kilometer for new cyclists, and an additional 5 cents for those using generic cycles within the municipal boundaries of Florence.

But the generosity doesn’t end there. Regular cyclists, who have already been pedaling their way through Florence, will also be rewarded, albeit at a slightly reduced rate of 15 cents per kilometer. The idea is to promote cycling across the board, rewarding both new converts and seasoned cyclists.

“It is a turning point for cycling mobility in the city and a project of which I am really proud because it introduces the idea that those who use the bike not only do themselves a favor – because they save money, time and are good for their health – but he does the whole city a favor and that’s why he will be rewarded,” said Andrea Giorgio, councilor for the environment and ecological transition, in a press release. “It will now be essential to involve schools, universities and companies in the project, to broaden the number of participants and increasingly push cycling mobility”

How Does it Work in Florence?

Residents or those domiciled in Florence and nearby municipalities (Bagno a Ripoli, Calenzano, Campi Bisenzio, Lastra a Signa, Scandicci, Sesto Fiorentino, Signa) who are over 18 and commute for work or study can participate in the initiative. Participants can register up to two home-to-school or home-to-work routes, with additional general routes within Florence eligible from Monday to Friday. Each participant will receive a Pin Bike kit, including a Bluetooth device to certify bike usage, a handlebar smartphone holder, and signal lights.

Both ordinary and pedal-assisted bikes are eligible, with purchase incentives for e-bikes and cargo bikes starting in June. New cyclists will earn 20 cents per kilometer for commute routes, plus 5 cents per kilometer for general routes, with a maximum of 2 euros per day and 30 euros per month.

Existing cyclists will earn 15 cents per kilometer for commute routes, plus 5 cents per kilometer for general routes, with a maximum of 1.20 euros per day and 30 euros per month. Additionally, the top 200 users can earn up to 100 euros monthly through points accrued by cycling and participating in events, with total additional prizes reaching up to 200 euros monthly.

More Than Just Daily Earnings

The incentives don’t stop at the daily commute. Florence is also introducing a competitive element to further boost participation. Each month, the top 200 cyclists who accumulate the most points through the app will receive a bonus of 100 euros. Points are awarded not just for kilometers cycled, but also for engaging in various “virtuous actions” such as participating in cycling events and completing questionnaires.

A Step Towards a Greener Future for Florence

This bold move by Florence aims to redefine commuting habits, reducing the reliance on motor vehicles and promoting a culture of cycling. The benefits are multifaceted: less traffic congestion, reduced pollution, and a healthier population. By offering tangible financial rewards, the city hopes to make cycling an attractive and viable option for more people.

As Florence gears up for this transformative journey, cyclists across the city have a unique opportunity to pedal their way to a healthier lifestyle and a little extra cash. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend warrior, this initiative offers an exciting chance to contribute to a greener, more sustainable Florence. So, dust off that bicycle, download the Pin Bike app, and get ready to ride your way to rewards!

“It is a very beautiful project that will allow children, at an important and particular moment in their lives, i.e. turning 18, to be encouraged to use the bicycle, an ecological means of transport that is good for people and the environment, to travel from home to school or from home to work,” said Sara Funaro, councilor for education. “We will send a letter to all schools because, as a Municipality, we want to install the racks in internal or external spaces, if they need them and to make it even easier for children to use two wheels. We also want to continue with the work of discussion and awareness-raising on environmental issues that we have been carrying out with schools for years.”

The urban cycling build-up hasn’t been as pronounced as it is in some other European cities such as neighboring France. Even a plan for a huge bicycle network in nearby Milan has been slow to materialise. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.