Turin-Venice cycle route advances with new bike facilities at train stations

Turin is taking a significant step towards integrated mobility by incorporating dedicated bicycle facilities into its future Metropolitan Railway Service stations. Five new spaces for two-wheeled transport are planned, aiming to create a seamless connection between cycling and public transit. This initiative is particularly crucial for the VenTo project, a long-envisioned cycle route designed to link Turin and Venice along the Po River, promoting sustainable tourism and travel.

The planned facilities include substantial capacity at several stations: Orbassano Ospedale San Luigi will feature 110 covered stalls, Torino Lesna will have 32 places, Torino Dora will accommodate 144 stalls, Torino Crocetta will offer 156 stalls and 60 boxes, and Torino San Paolo will provide 30 stalls. Mobility Councilor Chiara Foglietta emphasized the importance of this integration, stating, "Future mobility must be increasingly integrated, and the bicycle must be able to dialogue with public transport." She highlighted the success of the Porta Nuova velostation as proof that "when safe and quality services are provided, citizens respond positively."

While the Porta Nuova velostation has shown strong usage, with consistent daily occupancy and new monthly subscribers, the Porta Susa station's velostation faces challenges. Concerns related to railway safety have complicated its realization within the station premises, and an alternative external area requires further assessment and funding. Foglietta expressed commitment to finding a "shared solution for Porta Susa," ensuring this key transport hub also offers adequate services for cyclists. The city also plans to participate in an upcoming regional tender for velostations with new proposals.

The VenTo project, originating in 2010, is a strategic national cycle route spanning approximately 700 kilometers across four regions and over a hundred municipalities. Its goal is to foster a new approach to mobility and tourism. Recently, the inauguration of the Parco del Meisino cycle-pedestrian bridge in Turin marked a crucial step in ensuring continuity for the VenTo route and the European EuroVelo 8 path, representing an investment of about one million euros.