Bergamo Unveils a Custom Bus to Promote the BGY Airport Granfondo and Raise Awareness on Road Safety and Cycling Mobility

The ATB bus 601 was officially unveiled today. Until May 12, it will travel across all urban transport routes in the city, promoting the renowned Bergamasque Granfondo while also raising public awareness on key issues such as road safety and cycling mobility, carrying the powerful message: “Pedal and let others pedal.”

Pedal and let pedal is the mobile claim that the organisers of the BGY Airport Granfondo presented to circulate the fundamental message on road safety while promoting a great sporting event for all.

Bergamo is embracing cycling with an innovative and impactful initiative: a fully customized ATB city bus dedicated to promoting the BGY Airport Granfondo – the renowned cycling event set to take place on May 4 under the auspices of the Italian Cycling Federation – while also delivering a strong message on cycling mobility and road safety.

Unveiled today at the ATB headquarters on Via Monte Gleno, this unique bus will travel across the city’s public transport network, carrying an essential reminder: “Pedal and let others pedal.”

Several authorities were present: ATB president Enrico Felli, Sacbo Spa president Giovanni Sanga, Confcommercio Bergamo president Giovanni Zambonelli, Bergamo Municipality councillor for social policies, longevity, health, sport Marcella Messina and Bergamo Province councillor Giorgia Gandossi (photo Laura Pietra).

A Moving Campaign: The Bus in Numbers

The chosen vehicle, bus 601, will circulate on all ATB routes, ensuring broad visibility for the campaign until May 12, for a total of about 120 days on the road. The graphics cover approximately 80 square meters, including both sides and the rear of the bus, transforming it into a mobile awareness platform.

With over 25 million passengers using ATB’s public transport services annually, this initiative leverages urban mobility to reach a diverse and extensive audience. A special thanks goes to ATB President Enrico Felli and General Director Eng. Liliana Donato for their support in making this project a reality.

Raising Awareness: The Urgent Need for Safer Roads

Recent reports highlight a worrying trend: road accidents involving cyclists are increasing in Italian cities. In 2023 alone, 197 cyclists lost their lives – a figure comparable to an entire Giro d’Italia peloton disappearing every year, as noted by Giovanni Biserni of the Association of Supporters of the Road Police.

More than 60% of cycling and pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and safety policies. A 2022 PATH (Partnership for Active Travel and Health) report revealed that Italy ranks first in Europe for fatal cycling accidents, with a staggering 5.1 deaths per million km traveled – nearly twice the rate of France (2.9) and more than five times that of Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands (0.9).

Yet, the “safety in numbers” effect suggests that increasing the number of cyclists on the road reduces the accident rate per kilometer traveled. This initiative aims to foster a cultural shift, encouraging both citizens and policymakers to invest in safer, more accessible urban spaces, reinforcing the bicycle as a safe, sustainable, and equitable means of transport.

Italian Excellence on the Move: A Symbol of Innovation and Collaboration

Italy has long been a land of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and visionary thinking—from architecture and art to entrepreneurship and technology. This heritage lives on through leading organizations that represent our “Made in Italy” expertise with pride and innovation.

We are honored to have these outstanding partners supporting this initiative:

• Sacbo – Managing company of Milan Bergamo Airport, a strategic player in international mobility and tourism.
• Santini – A global leader in cycling apparel, embodying Italian craftsmanship, precision, and passion.
• ATB – A symbol of efficient and forward-thinking urban mobility.
• L’Eco di Bergamo – Italy’s most-read provincial newspaper and a benchmark for regional journalism.

The BGY Airport Granfondo-branded bus is more than just a vehicle—it’s a moving statement of Italian excellence. It represents a journey of tradition, vision, and collaboration, proving once again that Italy knows how to create, innovate, and inspire.

We are builders, dreamers, and pioneers. With our minds, hands, and hearts, we keep moving forward.