Bologna30: an ambitious project or the drivers’ nightmare?

As a young university student living the reality of Bologna on a daily basis, I can say that the initiative represents a small revolution in the way we live and move around the city streets.

Bologna30, introduced on 16 January 2024, represents an ambitious attempt to transform urban mobility by reducing speed limits to 30 km/h on around 70% of the city’s roads, with the exception for some of the major roads. The project, conceived with the aim of improving road safety, reducing air and noise pollution, and promoting sustainable forms of mobility such as walking and cycling, has aroused a heated debate in the local community.

But despite the various potential benefits, the introduction of Bologna30 has sparked a lively debate among Bolognese citizens right from the beginning, and it’s easy to see why.
In the first days, drivers, especially those who rely on cars for work, argued that the new regulation complicates urban logistics, potentially slowing down traffic, emergency services and increasing commercial costs. Additionally, despite a strong public engagement before implementation, some citizens viewed Bologna30 as a restriction on personal freedom with inadequate alternatives, particularly in areas with limited transportation options.

Economic concerns also arose, with significant investments needed for infrastructure updates, road signs, and expanded pedestrian zones. Critics questioned whether these resources could be better spent on other urban mobility improvements, like public transport or road maintenance.

To address these issues, Bologna30 includes a broad public participation program, the “Ambasciatori di Bologna Città 30“. Volunteers in this program aim to educate the community about the initiative and gather feedback. While this program has positively impacted public perception, its effectiveness relies on the ongoing commitment of its volunteers. If enthusiasm wanes or volunteer numbers drop, the program’s influence may diminish.

On the other hand, there are some technical reasons for this decision to reduce speed limits. In fact, it shortens the braking distance and increases the reaction time of drivers, thus reducing both the likelihood and severity of accidents. A reduced speed in fact causes less damage, thus easing the burden on hospitals and emergency services.
The first statistics gathered in the areas where the limit has been introduced show a drop in road accidents (by almost 11 %) and injuries (by more than 10 %), with even greater improvements on radial roads (close to -18 % and -28 % respectively). all the data refer to a comparison with the same period last year.

No less important is the environmental impact of the 30 km/h speed limit in Bologna, which has led to a significant reduction in air and noise pollution. At lower speeds, vehicle engines operate more efficiently due to more complete combustion, thus reducing emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the main contributors to urban pollution. These benefits are confirmed by measurements taken by the municipality six months after the introduction of the limit: the ARPAE control unit at Porta San Felice recorded a 23.1% reduction in nitrogen dioxides between 1 January and 14 July 2024 compared to the average for the same period in 2022-2023, demonstrating a significant improvement in air quality. In addition, smoother driving, with less sudden acceleration and braking, contributes to lower traffic noise, further improving the quality of life in residential areas.

An additional benefit of the 30 km/h speed limit in Bologna is the promotion of sustainable mobility. A less chaotic and safer urban environment encourages citizens to travel by foot or bicycle, reducing car dependency. An analysis of data from the first half of 2024 compared to the average of the same periods in 2022 and 2023 shows positive results in this respect. Traffic flows decreased by 3%, a reduction of more than 6,300 vehicles per day, and by as much as 6% compared to 2023, indicating a significant reversal of the traffic growth trend of recent years. At the same time, the use of bicycles increased by 12%, with about 160,000 more transits at the monitored points. Bike sharing saw an extraordinary increase of 92 %, with 682,991 additional rides in the first half of 2024. Public transport also benefited from this transformation, with an 11% increase in passengers, corresponding to more than 5.5 million additional travelers. These changes highlight how the speed limit is promoting greater sustainability and a better quality of life in the city.

In conclusion, while Bologna30 represents a bold shift in urban mobility, it is essential to continue monitoring its impact comprehensively. Initial results are promising, with notable reductions in accidents, pollution, and increased use of sustainable transport options. However, assessing the full effects of this initiative requires longer-term observation and analysis across various parameters. Citizens also play a crucial role; staying informed and engaging with accurate information can help navigate any controversies and ensure a constructive dialogue about the changes. Though still in its early stages, Bologna30 has the potential to serve as a model for other cities seeking to balance safety, sustainability, and urban mobility.

By italian eco-mmunity activators Team