With 30 years of activity and engagement, FIAB is one of the strongest cycling organisations in Europe. It promotes more liveable cities in Italy through its 187 local associations and over 18,300 individual members across the whole country. At its last AGM, they took some major decisions that will change the organisation's identity and vision.

President, Board and name: that's what FIAB's Annual General Assembly decided to change, in order to be better suited to face today's societal challenges. As Alessandro Tursi, already ECF Vice President and since Sunday 14 April also FIAB President, “It's a necessary step to communicate that bicycles are a means, not the objective. It's the most efficient tool - maybe the only one - to improve our urban environment and respond to the global environmental crisis."

A new President with a new Board

After 6 years of intense work and amazing results, Giulietta Pagliaccio left the Presidency and a stronger organisation than she found. Membership grew by 15%, FIAB is now officially recognised as an environmental organisation and regarded as the expert on active mobility by institutions at all levels of governance. Its active role in pushing the new Framework Law on Cycling Mobility is a clear proof. Clearly, she will remain active in the organisation as a member of the Board. "New challenges need new solutions: best of luck to Alessandro and the new team!". And Tursi took over the leadership with a strong message:

I am aware of the difficulties that lie ahead, but I know that if we will not promote cycling in Italy, nobody will. To achieve our goals, we now need to change and keep inspiring others to change too.

 The Board was also renewed, with new members coming from all over the country and a perfect gender balance.

A new Name

On the year of its 30th birthday, with an epocal renovation approved almost by consensus, the Italian organisation is also changing its name to reflect the new identity and ambitions of its activists. While the acronym will remain the same, FIAB [Italian Federation of the Friends of Bicycles], the meaning of those letters from now on will be Italian Federation for Bicycles and the Environment.

Certain that they will keep up the great work done until now, we from ECF are glad to wish them a very successful continuation!