MI-LO-PI. Cycling route between Milano and Piacenza

With the rise or the fourth industrial revolution the humans have greatly altered the way we connect between people, between things, and between urban structures. In The Urban Village Alberto Magnaghi suggest that currently the European cities are linked into networks which brings down the dominance of the metropolis and gives power back to the surrounding smaller towns. This puts the issue of transportation in the center. While on one hand the need for efficiency let machines overtake humans, on the other hand, care for nature, one’s own health, quality leisure and sensitivity to local traditions consolidate cycling as preferred means of transportation and recreation. Therefore, to adequately address these issues and needs, I would like to make a design proposition for a cycling route between Piacenza and Milano. It takes in consideration the territorial context on landscape scale: the urban connectivity, topography specifics, heritage background, biological and social context. It deals with these big scale topics by providing also human scale architectural solutions. Currently some short stretches of cycling paths exist, especially in the immediate surrounding of the villages. However, they are neither consistent nor connected to each other. Nevertheless, many people travel with bikes from town to town, but most of the time they have to share the road with cars and trucks, which is dangerous and demanding on both drivers and cyclists. The latter can neither move in groups, which would be the intuitional behavior of a traveling pack, nor can they appreciate the landscape. Despite the evident enthusiasm, there are no proper signs, repair points or connections with the railway infrastructure (which is the most preferred in the region). The existing cyclist paths are bare asphalt infrastructures with little aesthetical or leisure value, and they miss the opportunity to relate to the beautiful landscape. The planned construction of the cycling path connecting Venezia and Torino would imply increased flow of cyclists who are not locals. Different tactics need to be used to attract them and the current residents. All these issues should be resolved through careful territorial planning and fine design of the details. My proposal consists of well-defined cycling route with consistent asphalt finishing, well protected from heavy traffic by physically separating the two or marking the road. Row of fruit and non-fruit trees would keep the identity stable while providing shadow, and occasionally a small fresh snack for the bikers. The road is well connected with the surrounding settlements and lead straight to the train stations. This is important as perceived safety pays an even more important role than actual statistical safety, which meant that inexperienced users would be much more interested in getting on their bikes if then know that at any point they are not too far from a train on which they could get on and reach their destination. Furthermore, there are six resting stations where cyclists could stop, sit, have some water and fix their bikes. These stations also serve as viewing platforms, which subliminally reinforce the connection with the landscape. Lastly, as the route would be connected with the Rogoredo train station in Milano. The abandoned cascina Palma right next to it would perfectly serve as a cyclist hub once it is retrofitted. It would provide plenty of parking spots, and hygiene services but also a professional repair shop, a bike store, a restaurant and a big square which could host greater events. Provided with all this infrastructure, I believe that the cycling sport would become much more attractive for many more people. It will promote sustainable life style and appreciation for the agricultural heritage of Lombardy and recreational activity for locals and tourists alike.