Established in 2018 by the United Nations to spread awareness of the social benefits of using bicycles as a means of transportation and leisure, World Bicycle Day has been celebrated every year since then on June 3. In use for two centuries, the bicycle represents a true icon of simple, inexpensive, reliable and sustainable transportation that promotes the preservation of the Environment and benefits health.
The bicycle is one of the most convenient means of visiting and experiencing the many historical, natural and artistic wonders of Abruzzo, which, with its beautiful mountains, quaint villages and unspoiled beaches, is a perfect destination for cycling tourism. A new way to explore this region, within the reach of even the least trained, is by e-bike, a means that is rapidly becoming a trend among cycling tourism enthusiasts, because it allows them to discover, with pedaling assisted by an electric motor, historic centers, National Parks, peaks among the highest in the Apennine chain, rolling hills covered with vines and olive trees, as well as cities overlooking the sea.
The Abruzzo region has as many as 46 routes bicycle routes that cross ever-changing landscapes: pretty towns located between the sea and the mountains, immense cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes capable of thrilling cyclists of all ages.
The best-known bicycle path in the region is undoubtedly The Green Way of the Trabocchi: with its 42 kilometers or so of track that skirts the Adriatic coast in the area between Ortona and Vasto, it offers the cyclist a unique setting, characterized by the presence of the ancient and evocative Trabocchi, fishing machines built of wood and suspended over the sea. It winds along a very rugged stretch of coastline, rich in unspoiled coves and hidden beaches, following in its rougher sections the route of the former Adriatic railway, inaugurated in 1863 and decommissioned in 2005. It passes through 9 municipalities (Francavilla, Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Rocca San Giovanni, Fossacesia, Torino di Sangro, Casalbordino, Vasto and San Salvo) and is reserved for sustainable mobility, cyclists and walkers, ensuring an ideal route among historical testimonies and nature reserves. It is a spectacular route overlooking the sea, with an easy level, which can also be walked by children.
Also recently unveiled was a project to complete the Via Verde, which includes an integrated system of secondary roads, tracks and mixed routes (asphalt, gravel, dirt) that cross the region’s rivers, hills, vineyards and nature reserves. The new inland route aims, therefore, to enhance inland villages and areas, offering ideal routes for more experienced cyclists or those who like to use e-bikes, stretching more than 300 kilometers to touch the Maiella and the Molise border.
On the other hand, for those who would like to discover the Abruzzo hinterland, it is possible to experience the Heart of Abruzzo: starting from the Celestinian Abbey of Santo Spirito al Morrone in Sulmona, it is possible to choose from 14 itineraries, for more than a thousand kilometers and a total duration of the bike rides of 70 hours involving twenty-seven municipalities, two national parks, one regional park, oasis and nature reserves. Thus one can discover villages and peculiarities of unique territories such as those of the Peligna Valley, Subequana Valley, Sagittario Valley and Alto Sangro, including the fairy-tale lake scenery of Scanno with its romantic heart-shaped perimeter. Or one can push on to the scenic lakefront of Campotosto, with its enchanting views of the imposing Gran Sasso d’Italia and Monti della Laga mountain ranges.
For mountain lovers, there is also the trail from L’Aquila to the Campo Felice plateau, which winds through nature and sacred art masterpieces: traverse and relive post-earthquake L’Aquila with its restored squares, fountains and historic buildings, pass by the Villa Comunale, continue to the hamlet of Roio, ideal for hiking and picnicking, pick up the trail again and visit theabbey of St. John the Baptist a Benedictine monastery founded around the year 1,000, then proceed uphill on the SS 584 immersed in the endless openings of the Campo Felice plain, regenerating body and soul and being won over by the silent views of the Sirente-Velino chain and the Duchessa Mountains. After passing the tollbooth of the A24 highway, proceeding on the SP1 Amiternina along the Raio stream, one can visit the church of San Panfilo, made unique by frescoes painted in the late 15th century. After passing the hamlets of Sassa and Genzano, you regain the SS 17 returning to L’Aquila. A challenging tour with an elevation gain of about 1,000 meters, but one that allows you to experience the history and unspoiled nature of the Apennines.
On the other hand, for those who do not want to move from Rome, we point out the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most evocative Roman roads (also known as “Regina Viarum”) that connected Rome to Brindisi. Traveling it on two wheels makes you live an experience that combines history, culture and nature, allowing you to discover Rome in an active and fun way, pedaling among its most famous monuments to discover the most hidden corners. Or again, it is possible to ride along the new bike path that connects Monte Ciocci to St. Peter’s, a strategic bicycle-pedestrian infrastructure that stretches for 1.5 kilometers and allows you to reach the Vatican from the Via Francigena. This new route also connects with the Passeggiata del Gelsomino (Jasmine Promenade ) and allows a direct connection with the Valle Aurelia station of the Metro A line. The Caffarella Park, the green heart of Rome, on the occasion of the Day will be transformed into an open space dedicated to those who love cycling: a day of celebration dedicated to sustainable mobility, cycling culture, but also art, books and good practices. An opportunity to be outdoors, discover the pleasure of cycling together, meet new people and share ideas, experiences and smiles. An event designed for all ages and dedicated to the celebration of the bicycle as a symbol of freedom and respect for the environment. 
Cycle tourism is proving that it is no longer a niche of enthusiasts but a phenomenon capable of directing tourist flows and the local economy. This benefits small villages, inland areas but also marginal territories, generating new opportunities for economic and employment growth. Central Italy, with its natural and cultural beauty, is experiencing this transformation today, proposing more and more routes and offering dedicated services.
This is one of the reasons World Bike Day was born: to recognize and value the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, one of the simplest, most sustainable and democratic means of transportation mankind has ever invented, a means that does not pollute, does not make noise and promotes health and sociality.
