Bari, the capital of Puglia, is set to inaugurate its first ‘superciclabile’—a dedicated cycling artery connecting the city to the neighboring municipality of Modugno. This ambitious project aims to promote cycling commuting and alleviate daily vehicular traffic congestion entering the city.
Technical Specifications of the Route
The Metropolitan City of Bari has initiated the design of this innovative infrastructure, which will deviate from traditional urban bike lanes by establishing a dedicated 11-kilometer cycling corridor. The path will feature a minimum width of 5 meters, divided into four lanes (two in each direction), each 1.25 meters wide. In certain sections, including safety buffers, lateral embankments, and green slopes, the total width may extend up to 10.5 meters. The integration of the superciclabile will necessitate a reconfiguration of the current road layout, particularly along the stretch adjacent to the San Nicola Stadium towards Modugno, to accommodate the required space.
Route and Financial Overview
The linear route will commence at Bari’s Tondo di Carbonara, near the San Nicola Stadium, and conclude in Modugno, connecting to the local road network at the intersection of Via dei Gerani, Via delle Magnolie, and Provincial Road 54. The Metropolitan City has allocated €115,000 for the feasibility study, awarded to an engineering firm from Barletta. This preliminary phase is essential for securing the necessary funds for the project’s execution, with current estimates indicating a total requirement of approximately €6 million for the complete infrastructure.
Cost Estimation for the Metropolitan Network by 2030
With an estimated investment of €6 million for the 11-kilometer Bari-Modugno route, the cost per kilometer stands at about €545,000. This figure aligns with the high-quality standards set for the project. The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PUMS) and the Biciplan of the Metropolitan City of Bari aim to develop an interconnected network of approximately 430 kilometers by 2030. If the entire network were to follow the superciclabile standard, the total investment would approach €234 million. However, this projection is theoretical, as a significant portion of the 430 kilometers will likely consist of pedestrian and cycling paths, shared routes, or greenways at lower structural costs. The Metropolitan City has already secured CIPE funds of about €26 million for three main corridors. Nonetheless, this estimation underscores the substantial economic and engineering efforts required to transform the mobility habits of the entire province.
Context of Bari’s Cycling Mobility
This initiative represents a significant step in enhancing active mobility infrastructure in Bari. The forthcoming superciclabile to Modugno serves as a test case for transitioning to a functional and interurban cycling mobility model. The execution timeline will depend on the outcome of the ongoing design phase and subsequent work tenders.
In summary, Bari’s first superciclabile is poised to revolutionize the city’s approach to sustainable transportation, offering a dedicated and efficient route for cyclists and setting a precedent for future developments in the region.