Ovest Sesia Launches “Bike for Kids” Inspired by Zaragoza
The Cycling Waterways project continues to spark tangible impact across partner regions. A striking example comes from the Ovest Sesia Association (Italy), which has launched a new educational pilot initiative called "Bike for Kids", inspired by a good practice shared during the project's Kick-Off Meeting in Zaragoza in June 2024.
During the Zaragoza event, Ovest Sesia was particularly impressed by the city's approach to promoting cycling culture through education and community engagement. Drawing from that inspiration, they decided to replicate and adapt the model to the local context of the Province of Vercelli, with the aim of fostering sustainable mobility habits from an early age.
A Pilot Project to Grow with the Territory
"Bike for Kids" is an educational programme targeting primary school children who already know how to ride a bike independently. The initiative promotes cycling not only as a form of mobility, but as a powerful educational tool to explore local territory, environmental responsibility, and social cohesion.
The project includes:
- Basic knowledge of bicycle mechanics and safety
- Motor and coordination development through off-road riding
- Sustainable mobility education
- Awareness of local biodiversity, parks, and nature reserves
- Group games and social interaction through cycling
The pilot has involved 7 classes across 6 schools in the Vercelli area:
- G. Ferraris (Vercelli)
- Primary School of Carisio
- G. Allievo (San Germano Vercellese)
- Pellico Primary (Santhià)
- Edmondo De Amicis (Trino Vercellese)
- Primary School of Alice Castello
Project Timeline and Delivery
The sessions took place between March 3 and June 6, 2025, with each class receiving 4 lessons of 1.5 hours (totaling 6 to 12 hours per school depending on the class). In total, 48 hours of training were delivered, complemented by educational materials and insurance coverage.
The programme was entirely funded by Ovest Sesia as a pilot investment (€2,000 total), with the hope of integrating this approach into a long-term strategy for cultural and environmental change across the territory.
A Collaborative Effort
The activities were delivered by Vercelli Outdoor, led by environmental and cycling guide Manuel Minola Violino, certified by the Region of Piemonte and the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI).
Toward a Lasting Change
This initiative represents a concrete outcome of interregional exchange within Cycling Waterways and reflects how good practices can travel and take root across borders. Ovest Sesia hopes this pilot marks the beginning of a broader cultural transformation in how children experience mobility, nature, and their own communities.
As Minola stated:
"I am convinced that the bicycle is one of the most effective tools to foster healthy development, environmental awareness, and social connection."
Stay tuned to see how this initiative evolves and inspires others!