Institutional portal - Municipality of Milan

In Milan, pedestrian mobility is a priority and actions have long been adopted aimed at encouraging, protecting and placing those who move on foot at the center of administrative activity. 

Everyone finds themselves being pedestrians during the day and pedestrian circulation represents - fortunately, we say - an increasingly significant percentage of urban mobility, which is why it is important to overcome a very old and very wrong mentality that has affected our cities for years and has given priority to cars in all fields: the organization of spaces, the structure of roads and crossings and the intrusiveness of private cars have limited the possibility of movement of pedestrians and excluded the weakest categories from the use of public space of citizens.

Today this is no longer the case, and a new and more human urban mentality, but also the need to move with a lower environmental impact, stimulate a more correct attitude towards pedestrian mobility. 

One of the primi pedestrian rights it is the complete and free mobility that is achieved through the integrated use of public transport which must be non-polluting, widespread and equipped to meet the needs of all citizens. The pedestrian then has the right to have urban areas reserved for him, in addition to sidewalks, as extensive as possible; not just pedestrian "islands" but rational and safe routes that coherently fit into the general organization of the city, especially in the neighborhoods and near schools, services and local commercial activities.

In 2020 they are in the planning and construction phase 30 projects in 20 neighborhoods for vehicle speed moderation (gates, roundabouts, rectification and widening of pavements) and for the road safety (slides, protected crossings, traffic lights, protruding pavements).
In recent years we have intervened to moderate the speed of vehicles also with speed cameras on busy roads, the 30 Zones and Open Squares in neighbourhoods, with redevelopment and road safety interventions that improve traffic, crossings and traffic light times in favor of pedestrians and public transport.

The pedestrian shares many rights of the cyclist or scooter user whether it is push or electric, with one substantial difference:  the sidewalk belongs to pedestrians.

The so-called "light" mobility vehicles must share the space of the roadway where there are no cycle paths.

Milan has adopted policies also in favor of cycling and is currently working on ten new cycle routes covering around 25 kilometres: 

• the Vento Alzaia Naviglio Pavese,
• Simplon,
• Naples-Giambelllino-Tirana,
• Piola-Bacone-Lavater,
• Certosa-Major Cemetery square,
• Roman Legions-Bern-Zurich,
• Early,
• Deceptions,
• Isola-Bussa-Ceresio-Clotilde,
• Forlanini district: Salomone and Fantoli-Aviazione;

with investments of over 12 million euros.

To encourage the sustainable mobility Milan has also implemented a more rational parking policy.

Parking with blue lines is being extended to many other districts of the city, which favors residents who are allowed to use the stalls free of charge but also the setting up of parking areas in the structure, particularly in the interchange hubs; today in Milan there are 25 for a total of approximately 19.500 parking spaces. Regulating parking allows you not to affect pedestrian mobility and free up public spaces.

Furthermore, the city is equipped with over 32 thousand stalls for parking bicycles and scooters.

The road is a place of coexistence and sharing traveled daily by millions of people and vehicles. This is why it is essential that everyone, from pedestrians to truck drivers, behave appropriately, respecting each other.  

The rules are dictated by the Highway Code, sticking to it and common sense not only avoids sanctions from the Local Police but first of all allows everyone to experience the city. One thing, however, must always be remembered: in the event of an accident, those who are not inside a vehicle are increasingly exposed and therefore deserve more attention from others.

Some rules of the Highway Code concern everyone:

• never exceed the speed limits;
• always slow down at schools and intersections, even if the traffic lights are continuously green;
• do not go through the red or yellow traffic light unless you are already beyond the stopping point;
• never zigzag between one lane and another to the right of the direction of travel;
• never use your mobile phone while driving;
• never take prohibited one-way streets.

Always observe the right-of-way rule in the absence of a stop sign; give priority to public transport and slow down and be careful in the presence of local police officers, traffic police, firefighters, ambulances etc. who must also give priority in case of lights on. It is forbidden to park on pavements, in double rows, on pedestrian crossings, in front of slides, near intersections.

Even the pedestrian has his own rules summarized in article 90 of the Highway Code:

• use pedestrian crossings, underpasses and overpasses when they are no more than 100 meters away.

On the crossings, pedestrians have priority over cars, but it is more prudent not to jump in suddenly and always check that a car is not coming so as not to impose sudden braking on the oncoming vehicle, which can also cause bad rear-end collisions. chain.

Some points of the road are more dangerous to cross: for example on bends, where visibility is limited. The road also requires attention from those who walk. No photos, no messages, no video games, no comics or books while crossing and it is better to keep the music from your earphones (prohibited for those using a vehicle) at a low volume to hear the road noises well.

When you get off the bus, avoid passing in front of it so as not to be hidden by oncoming cars. Wait until the bus has left the stop and cross behind it. Even playing football in the street or on the sidewalks can be really dangerous, it's better to use a public park.

Starting today, we are supporting all this with a new information campaign in favor of pedestrians because it is the citizens on the street who are the protagonists of a correct, safe and pleasant coexistence.

Being informed and making the rules your own is the best starting point for every walk.