Many Milanese say yes to cycling. And yesterday’s participation in the MilleMilaBici 2024 is once again proof of this. Scientific evidence also indicates that cycling is good for the environment and for those who use it.
A Sunday with 3,000 thousand bicycles: it was yesterday. A great initiative that went beyond the name of the initiative itself: MilleMilaBici. The organization is due to Legambiente with the support of numerous associations (Fiab, Massa Martocchi, Clean City, Citizens for the Air, Antismog Parents, Cascina Nascosta).
3,000 people all equipped with bicycles, sometimes even a little eccentric, with metal but also wooden frames. Many young people, including children, but also those of a certain age, demonstrate that they can cycle all their lives and that is why they ask for respect for their choice to travel without polluting.
And despite the risk: we are in a region where nearly 30 cyclists have died since the start of the year. We are in a country where traveling by means other than the car is considered obstruction of traffic or just one move the poor.
The MillemilaBici 2024
The flow that moved through the streets of Milan yesterday morning was festive. T-shirts for the first 1000 subscribers offered by Decathlonsponsor of the event. A 16 km route starting and ending at the Sforza Castle, along the circle of Bastions, to reiterate the need to change the criteria for distributing the available space in the city.
A snake of people on bicycles escorted by a generous law enforcement service provided by the local police. Manifestation of a serene response to the unbearable violence of the words of Vittorio Feltri only a few days ago.
The bike is good for those who use it
Yet local and national administrators should also consider the benefits of cycling for us. There scientific research showed that cycling activity can increase levels of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that regulates our mood, motivation and reward.
This may explain why many cyclists describe cycling as an enjoyable and rewarding experience. And it is also for this reason that they ask to be respected in their choice to travel with a non-polluting means of transport.
An increase in dopamine in the brain can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress. This is confirmed by studies which have shown how cycling activity can have antidepressant effects. A city with many cyclists is therefore a more peaceful city. Healthier.
Cycling can also increase motivation and concentrationbecause the brain releases dopamine in response to physical activity.
This may explain why many cyclists feel more motivated and focused after a ride. But also with a better cognitive functionalitysuch as memory and reasoning, thanks to the increase in dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
All this is experienced and desired by many Milanese who use bicycles on a daily basis and their voice must be heard. Insure them high levels of security.
(article co-written with Marco Fardelli)