Mobility is a key element in rethinking our cities with a sustainable perspective. Every day we move to work, study, or simply to live our daily lives. But the way we do it has a significant impact on the environment, on our health, and also on the family budget. In this context comes soft mobility, a style of movement that puts respect for the environment at the center and promotes a healthier, slower, and more conscious life.
Soft mobility: what exactly is it?
When we talk about soft mobility, we refer to all forms of non-motorized movement, such as walking, cycling, or using human-powered means (for example, non-electric scooters or skates). It is called “soft” because it minimizes environmental impact, is quiet, healthy, and enhances the relationship with the territory. It differs from sustainable mobility, which also includes low-impact vehicles like electric buses or hybrid cars, but still motorized. Soft mobility fits perfectly with the concept of human-centered cities: safe streets, pedestrian areas, continuous cycling paths, and urban planning that favors active movement over car traffic.
Investments and good practices in Italy
In Italy, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has allocated 600 million euros to promote two-wheeled travel, with two goals to be reached by 2026: 365 km of new urban and metropolitan cycle paths and 1,235 km of tourist cycling routes. These investments aim to make cities more accessible and less congested, improving air quality and encouraging more sustainable lifestyles.
Examples of virtuous municipalities
Some Italian municipalities stand out for their concrete commitment to soft mobility. Rimini has developed a cycling network of about 135 km, with innovative services like bike parks. Reggio Emilia recently presented the 2024 Biciplan, which provides for 83 km of Supercycleways and 190 km of Greenways to improve active travel. Cities like Bolzano and Ferrara also continue to invest in infrastructure and projects that promote the daily use of bicycles and walking.
Soft mobility even on vacation
Soft mobility is not only about everyday life, but it can also become a travel style. Bicycle holidays represent a healthy, ecological, and often economical choice. Routes like the Via Francigena, the Garda Cycle Path, or the Munich–Venice route allow for slow and conscious exploration of the territory. Organizations like Girolibero offer organized trips suitable for all ages, while projects like Bicitalia, the national cycling network promoted by FIAB, provide maps and detailed routes for those who want to cycle independently along the most beautiful Italian cycleways, also connected to the European network EuroVelo.
A concrete choice for better living
Adopting soft mobility is one of many daily actions we can take to reduce our environmental impact. Even small gestures like optimizing air conditioner use in the summer, choosing sustainable fashion garments instead of fast fashion, or preferring natural cosmetics for personal care can contribute to a more conscious and planet-friendly lifestyle. On the blog of the Museum of Saving you can find many other useful tips for living healthily, saving money, and doing good for the environment.
May 14, 2025