In response to the escalating concerns over road safety in Italy, a coalition of organizations has established the Italian Network for Equitable Mobility (RIME). This initiative unites entities dedicated to road safety, victim representation, active mobility, public transport, and the enhancement of public spaces. Their collective mission is to transcend the reactive approach to road safety and to reimagine the nation’s mobility model.
A Unified Vision for Safer Mobility
The formation of RIME coincides with a recent weekend marked by severe road incidents and the tragic loss of young lives. In response, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has announced additional measures aimed at bolstering road safety. However, RIME emphasizes that Italy cannot continue to address road safety as a series of isolated emergencies. The persistent number of casualties underscores the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the country’s mobility framework.
Reimagining Mobility Policies
RIME advocates for a modern mobility policy that considers the transportation options available to citizens, the infrastructure and regulations that facilitate them, the role of active mobility and public transport, and the culture of coexistence promoted on the roads. They argue that without adequate resources and a holistic vision, the risk is to continue chasing the problem. Conversely, a people-oriented system can address the root causes of accidents. Many cities and countries have already achieved a significant reduction in road fatalities by moderating speed and implementing policies that reduce dependence on automobiles, recognizing equal dignity for various forms of mobility.
Towards an Equitable Mobility Model
For RIME, mobility is not just about movement; it encompasses freedom, opportunity, health, and autonomy. An equitable model cannot rely solely on mass motorization but must be based on widespread and advanced public transport, the promotion of cycling, and walkability as a means of accessing rights for people of all ages, abilities, and genders. This approach aims to generate efficiency, social justice, and resilience against climate change and community challenges.
A New Platform for Public Discourse
RIME positions itself as an alliance of organizations, professionals, and activists committed to building fairer, safer, and more livable cities. It seeks to provide a stable platform for proposals and discussions within the public and institutional debate. While expressing solidarity with the families of victims, the network emphasizes the need for a vision that transcends the logic of emergency responses and unfounded positions that have impoverished the discourse on mobility in recent years. The challenge, concludes RIME, is to reclaim the future and begin building it now.
For More Information and Membership:
For further details and to join the Italian Network for Equitable Mobility, visit www.retemobilitaequa.it.
As of now, the following organizations have joined the Italian Network for Equitable Mobility (RIME):
- AIFVS (Italian Association of Families and Victims of the Road)
- AMODO
- A.Ri.Bi
- AFVS
- Alba, Luci sulla buona strada
- Associazione Gabriele Borgogni ETS
- AVISL
- Bike4City
- CUB: Ciclisti Urbani Baresi
- Città delle Persone
- Clean Cities Italia
- Comitato Vivere Meglio la Città
- FIAB Italia
- Fondazione Lorenzo Guarnieri
- Fondazione Matteo Ciappi
- Fondazione Michele Scarponi
- Kyoto Club
- Legambiente
- Movimento Diritti dei Pedoni
- Napoli Pedala
- Non correre, Accorri
- Pedala Martesana
- Pesaro30
- Sonia Tosi ODV
- Salvaiciclisti Roma
This list is continually updated as more organizations join the network.