Faenza’s bike to work initiative recognised for success

The Bike to Work (BTW) initiative in Faenza, Italy, is one of the 116 sustainable urban mobility good practices that were awarded in Wroclaw this year during the URBACT City Festival, held from 8-10 April 2025. 

The BTW initiative has successfully promoted cycling as a sustainable commuting option by offering financial incentives and gamified competition through a mobile app. The project, co-financed by the Municipality of Faenza and the Emilia-Romagna Region, rewarded cyclists per kilometre travelled (€0.25 per kilometre, up to €50 per month) and recognised top performers publicly. Its success led to three spin-offs: a company-funded version for employees, a school-focused “Bike to School” programme, and a fully municipally funded version in Castel Bolognese. These expansions highlight the project’s adaptability and its ability to foster public-private collaboration in promoting sustainable mobility.

The initiative’s strength lies in its integration with broader urban planning strategies, such as Faenza’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and the Union of Romagna Faentina’s Strategic Plan. It uses a participatory approach, involving local associations, schools, companies, and public administrators in co-designing and refining the programme. This inclusive model has enabled the project to evolve and respond to community needs, such as engaging students through school competitions. The initiative also delivers measurable benefits across economic (monthly rewards), environmental (reduced emissions), and social (healthier lifestyles) dimensions.

Since its launch, the BTW project has significantly reduced car usage and CO₂ emissions, with over 1,200 participants logging more than 600,000 km by bike. Local companies have embraced the model too, integrating it into their sustainability efforts. The project’s alignment with EU and UN sustainability goals, its use of ERDF funding, and its replicability make it a strong candidate for adoption in other cities. Key principles for successful transferability include co-design with stakeholders from the start, integration into existing plans, and flexible adaptation to local contexts and target groups. 

Author: Carla Giaume

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.