We continue our mini-interview series with the Velo-city 2019 Keynote Speakers! #VC19Keynote #MeetTheSpeakers #CyclingForTheAges

Former rugby player and devoted cyclist, Francesco Iacorossi has been working as a project manager at Roma Servizi per la Mobilita since 2009 within EU funded projects mainly in the field of sustainable and active mobility behaviour through the promotion of cycling and walking measures in urban areas.

He has also served as a communication and dissemination strategy leader in several EU projects and initiatives such as HandShake, P.A.S.T.A, ECC, Bike Challenge, and SUMP Roma. Author of “When in Rome Go Sustainable” a green-guide featuring the Italian Rugby & Tennis Federations, FIAB and Healthy Stadia to reach the Stadio Olimpico in Rome through public transport and cycling. Co-Chair of @ITF_Forum #SaferCityStreets for Rome. Appointed as a new member of the Osservatorio Bikeconomy's scientific committee. 

What does cycling for the ages mean to you?

Pierpaolo Pasolini, one of Italy's finest poets once defined cycling as "the ultimate working-class sport as you don't need any ticket". Well, based on my experience, cycling is also the ultimate democratic transport mode available as it easily appllies to all ages and social backgrounds. Cycling can make you feel younger if you are an elderly person and can make you feel older if you are a young person, always putting a big smile on your face. Age is an issue of mind over matter, age does not matter when you're on a health cycling journey.

How will the city of the future look like taking into consideration the gaps in the developing and developed world?

A picture, taken from the Friday for Future demo in Rome, of a student on his bicycle holding a sign which said "it is also my fault but i am trying to fix the damage cycling" sums up perfectly the current environmental situation. We, lucky enough to be living in the so called developed countries, have a pretty heavy weight of guilt to carry. Walking and cycling along with public transport are key successful factors to make the city of the future a better place. Everyone has their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small, no one is too old or too young to do something.

What do you expect from Velo-city 2019 Dublin?

Dublin is one of my favourite places. Since my first visit back in 2000 the city has changed a lot and so did the dubliners. Dublin has become a cosmopolitan city without losing its captivating cultural heritage and its warm hospitality. Velo-city can represent a turning point to make Dublin, as clearly stated in the HandShake project document, a future cycling capital hopefully along with my beloved Rome! And if you don't believe me, come and meet me there, in Dublin on a sunny summer morning.

Mr. Francesco Iacorossi is a speaker in the sixth plenary session of Velo-city 2019 Dublin, entitled “Partnership & Collaboration” to take place on Friday June 28th 2019 at 09.00-10.00.
More info on the Velo-city 2019 Programme, Speakers and Sessions at: https://www.velo-city2019.com
Early Bird Deadline 1st April 2019 – don’t miss it! https://www.velo-city2019.com/registration