THE GRAB PROJECT (LARGE BICYCLE RING ROUTE), AWARDED IN 2023 WITH THE“ECO AWARD” DURING THE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY FESTIVAL, IT AIMS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY CITIZENS AND TOURISTS LIVE IN AND CROSS ROME. IN ADDITION TO BEING CONFIGURED AS AN ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY, IT STANDS OUT FOR ITS ABILITY TO CONNECT NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ELEMENTS. THE CYCLE ROUTE IS IN FACT INTERWEWED IN A HARMONIOUS WAY WITH THE IMMENSE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND LANDSCAPE HERITAGE OF THE CAPITAL
GRAB: a project for new mobility
Il Grabwith its 50 kilometers of cycle-pedestrian path, stands out as a work of great importance for Rome, a city historically marked by a strong dependence on car traffic.
This project, however, is not only an infrastructure dedicated to reducing pollution, but also a solution capable of reinventing urban mobility in a more ecological and integrated way. The main objective is to create an alternative to traditional travel, connecting existing cycle paths and creating new ones, in a circuit that embraces the entire city.
Specifically, the route intersects with three subway lines (A, B and C), seven stations, three regional railway lines and a tram line. In an urban context often congested by traffic, Grab therefore represents a practical and sustainable solution, capable of reducing dependence on the car and promoting more flexible and ecological mobility.
But there’s more.
Enhancement of historical and cultural heritage
Crossing Rome by bike or on foot along the Grab represents an immersive journey into the historical and scenic heart of the city “Eternal City”. The route does not limit itself to connecting the most famous monuments, such as the Colosseum or the Imperial Forums, but invites citizens and tourists to explore hidden and often overlooked corners, capable of telling stories of great charm and cultural importance.
One of these places is the Park of the Aqueductsa green area that houses the remains of ancient Roman structures, including the imposing Claudio and Anio Novus aqueducts, testimony to the advanced engineering of ancient Rome. This park, located in the heart of the Agro Romano, is an oasis of peace that offers an escape from the urban chaos, while remaining closely linked to the history of the city.
Walking by bike…🎼
Cycling along the Grab you reach the Quadraro District, an area with a strong identity, marked by a history of resistance during the Second World War and which has now become one of the liveliest centers for street art in Rome. Walking or cycling among its murals is like crossing an open-air museum, where contemporary art mixes with the traditional urban fabric.
The Caffarilla Park, which extends along the Grab route, is another hidden jewel, where uncontaminated nature coexists with archaeological remains such as the Nymphaeum of Egeria and the tomb of Annia Regilla. The Grande Raccordo Anulare for bikes also includes a stretch along the Via Appia Anticaone of the most famous streets of the Roman Empire, known as “Regina Viarum”.
Cycling along the Appia means crossing over two thousand years of history, in a landscape dotted with mausoleums, catacombs and the remains of ancient villas, which testify to the grandeur and majesty of ancient Rome. The street retains its intact charm, with the millenary stones still trampled by today’s travellers, in a silence that contrasts with the frenzy of the modern city.
Grab awarded at the Mobility Festival: a well-deserved recognition
Among the other symbolic places that the Grab connects we also find Castel Sant’Angelo, an ancient papal fortress and mausoleum of the emperor Hadrian, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Tiber and the city. From here, the route extends towards other lesser-known gems, such as the historic villas, including Villa Ada and Villa Borghese, immersed in vast parks that represent true green lungs in the center of the city.
In short, the recognition ofEco Award al Grab is justified precisely by the project’s ability to combine sustainable mobility and valorisation of the territory. The possibility of moving in an ecological way through one of the most complex and stratified cities in the world represents a leap towards the future, without giving up the tradition and beauty of the past.
Environmental impact
From an environmental point of view, Grab represents an important step forward for reducing the ecological impact in the capital. By encouraging the use of bicycles and pedestrian paths, the project directly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thus reducing air pollution, one of the main environmental problems of the capital.
The reduction in vehicular traffic, especially in the central areas and neighborhoods crossed by Grab, also contributes to improving air quality, making Rome a healthier and more liveable city.
Furthermore, the Great Bike Ring Road helps to decongest the streets, reducing the pressure exerted by traffic on urban centres. This not only improves the liveability of public spaces, but reduces noise pollution. Which helps create a quieter and less stressful environment for residents.
Timing and future of the project
The project is divided into six lots of works, each of which plays a fundamental role in completing the urban mobility redevelopment plan. The first two lots, which extend from the majestic Arch of Constantine to via dell’Almone and from via Appia Nuova to via Casilina, were designed to be completed in time for the Jubilee of 2025.
This strategic timing not only addresses the city’s mobility needs, but also represents a unique opportunity to showcase the progress made in sustainability during an event of international significance.
The works, which started in July 2023, are progressing at a rapid pace, thanks to efficient planning and the commitment of local authorities. The councilor for Mobility, Eugenio Patanè, highlighted not only the importance of Grab in improving circulation within the capital, but also its role in Rome’s ecological transition.
In fact, this initiative aims to reform the travel habits of Romans, transforming the use of bicycles and pedestrian paths into a daily and conscious choice.
How beautiful you are Rome
The construction of the Great Bicycle Ring Road will have a direct impact on the urban planning and aesthetics of the city, as the works are designed to integrate green spaces, existing cycle paths and pedestrian areas into a cohesive and harmonious urban design.
The valorization of these aspects will contribute not only to making Rome more attractive and livable, but also to preserving the historical and cultural heritage, ensuring that modernization does not occur to the detriment of the beauty of the city.
With the imminent completion of the first lots and the support of local authorities, the Eternal City is finally on track to becoming a model of mobility and sustainability.