Wikiloc | Percorso Da Piazza Duomo di Prato a Piazza Duomo di PistoiaMilano’s Ghisolfa Bridge Cyclist Route: A Milestone in Urban Mobility
After years of anticipation, public demand, and extensive discussions, Milan’s Ghisolfa Bridge now boasts a dedicated cycling path. As of Monday, June 29, 2026, the first two segments of this new infrastructure are open, extending from Piazzale Lugano to the summit of the Bacula Overpass, facilitating safe passage in both directions. This marks the completion of half the planned route, representing a significant advancement for one of Milan’s most critical mobility junctions. (ansa.it)
A Protracted Endeavor
The call for a cycling path on the Ghisolfa Bridge isn’t a recent development. Initial demands trace back to the 2017-2018 Participatory Budget, where citizens highlighted the need for a protected crossing between Piazzale Lugano and the Mac Mahon axis. However, the project faced numerous delays and technical challenges, including the necessity to relocate existing infrastructure such as the trolleybus system. (fiabmilano.it)
Community Mobilization and Political Debate
The project has been a focal point for both community mobilization and political debate. Advocacy groups and local residents have long championed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of safe cycling routes in urban planning. Conversely, some political figures have raised concerns about potential disruptions to traffic flow and the project’s feasibility. For instance, Roberto Vittorio Dal Bianco, a member of Fratelli d’Italia, expressed apprehension over the project’s impact on daily traffic and questioned its overall utility. (ilformat.info)
Construction Challenges and Public Response
The commencement of construction in spring 2026 did not quell the controversies. The reduction of available lanes and necessary traffic adjustments led to significant protests from business owners, motorists, and trade associations. Social media platforms were inundated with videos highlighting traffic jams and delays, while some political representatives labeled the project as unnecessary and detrimental to urban mobility. (ilformat.info)
A Step Towards Sustainable Mobility
Despite the challenges, the opening of the initial segments is a positive development for daily cyclists. The connection between Piazzale Lugano and the highest point of the overpass now allows for a safer crossing of the Ghisolfa, a route previously perceived as hostile and dangerous. The new infrastructure features a protected lane, physically separated from motorized traffic, offering a continuity that was previously lacking. This change is significant not only for safety but also for the quality of daily commutes between Bovisa, Mac Mahon, Cagnola, and neighboring districts. (ansa.it)
Looking Ahead
However, the Ghisolfa cycling path cannot be viewed as a final destination. For it to be truly effective, it must integrate into a continuous and coherent network, connecting with future interventions along Viale Serra, Monte Ceneri, and towards Piazzale Stuparich. Only then can what appears today as a local success transform into a fundamental piece of Milan’s cycling mobility. (ansa.it)
After nearly a decade of waiting, one certainty remains: the cycling path on the Ghisolfa Bridge exists. It demonstrates that when citizens, associations, and administrations persevere despite delays and resistance, even projects once deemed impossible can become reality.
But what a struggle it has been.