Pro Velo Ticino: Marco Vitali steps down as president

Context

In brief

• Marco Vitali steps down as president of Pro Velo Ticino after 5 years in office
• Claudio Sabbadini, outgoing vice president, is the new president
• Ordinary assembly in Biasca on April 18, 2026, with 120 members present
• Statute amendments to comply with the new cantonal law on volunteering (LVol, effective January 1, 2025)

Key facts

• What: Change of presidency and statutory update at Pro Velo Ticino
• When: April 18, 2026
• Where: Sala Patriziale in Biasca
• Who: Marco Vitali (former president), Claudio Sabbadini (new president), Juri Clericetti, Rémy Martinoli, Sara Widmer
• Amount: Annual budget of the association: CHF 250,000

On Saturday, April 18, the 2026 Ordinary Assembly of Pro Velo Ticino took place in Biasca. In the patrician hall, with 120 members present, statutory amendments were approved, among other things, to comply with the new cantonal law on volunteering (LVol), which came into force on January 1, 2025. Additionally, three new committee members were appointed: Laura Ferrari (Lugano), Marco Rossi (Bellinzona), and Silvia Bianchi (Locarno).

The Assembly then took note of the resignation of committee president Marco Vitali, who decided to step down from his position following his move to Alsace. Vitali, who led the association for 5 years, remains a member of the executive committee. Claudio Sabbadini, outgoing vice president and interim secretary of the association, was elected to fill the position of president. In his speech of thanks, Sabbadini praised Vitali's great commitment to cycling mobility in Ticino and expressed gratitude for being able to continue to count on his extensive expertise and experience.

Interventions on cycling mobility

At the end of the assembly proceedings, the public was able to follow three interventions concerning cycling mobility in the Riviera and the Valleys.

1. Juri Clericetti, President of the Bellinzona and Alto Ticino Regional Tourist Organization, outlined the role and activities of his organization, highlighting that in 2025, 12 sporting and leisure events were organized with a total participation of over 5,000 people. Among these, the 'Giro del Ticino' saw the participation of 1,200 cyclists.

2. Rémy Martinoli, president of Blenio Bike, emphasized the importance of having succeeded in obtaining recognition from Switzerland Mobile for 6 routes in Val Blenio, totaling 80 kilometers of certified bike paths. He also announced an investment of CHF 50,000 for the maintenance and signage of the routes in 2026.

3. Sara Widmer, municipal councilor of Biasca, focused on the daily cycling mobility situation in Biasca and its surroundings. She highlighted several gaps in the cycling network, such as the lack of safe connections between Biasca and Osco (approximately 5 kilometers) and hoped for greater commitment from the Municipality in this area. Widmer proposed an operational checklist to improve the situation:

• 📊 Mapping of existing infrastructure: Identify the already existing bike paths and their conditions.
• 📊 Analysis of needs: Collect data on the most used routes and the critical issues reported by citizens.
• 📊 Planning of interventions: Prioritize interventions based on needs and available resources.
• 📊 Involvement of the community: Organize public meetings to gather suggestions and feedback.
• 📊 Monitoring and evaluation: Evaluate the impact of the interventions and make continuous improvements.

Comparison of practical scenarios

For comparing practical scenarios, we can consider two Ticino municipalities with different approaches to cycling mobility:

• Bellinzona: Invested CHF 1.2 million in 2025 for the creation of new bike paths and the restructuring of existing ones. The municipality saw a 30% increase in the use of the bicycle as a daily means of transport.
• Locarno: Adopted a more gradual approach, with an investment of CHF 300,000 in 2025 to improve signage and maintenance of existing paths. Despite the smaller investment, the municipality recorded a 15% increase in the use of the bicycle.

Regulations and funding

To promote cycling mobility, the Canton of Ticino introduced in 2025 a series of financial incentives for municipalities that invest in cycling infrastructure. Among these:

• 💡 Grants: Up to 50% of the costs for the construction of new bike paths, with a maximum cap of CHF 200,000 per project.
• 💡 Subsidies for maintenance: Contributions up to 30% of the maintenance costs of existing paths, with a maximum cap of CHF 50,000 annually.
• ⚠️ Reporting obligations: Municipalities must submit an annual report on the activities carried out and the results achieved to access the funding.

In conclusion, the assembly of Pro Velo Ticino marked an important passing of the baton and highlighted the challenges and opportunities to improve cycling mobility in the Canton. With the commitment of new members and the support of local authorities, the association is ready to continue its work to promote sustainable and safe transport.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The change in presidency at Pro Velo Ticino could have significant implications for cross-border workers who use the bicycle as their primary means of transportation. Claudio Sabbadini, the new president, has already expressed his commitment to continuing the work started by Marco Vitali, which means that projects to promote cycling mobility in Ticino should continue without interruption. This is particularly relevant for cross-border workers who cross the border every day, often using the bicycle to commute between their place of work and residence.

Currently, around 65,000 cross-border workers commute to Ticino, and an increasing number of them are adopting the bicycle for their daily commutes. For example, in the municipality of Lugano, the number of cyclists has increased by 15% in the last two years, thanks to the creation of new bike lanes and the implementation of incentives for using the bicycle. Pro Velo Ticino has played a crucial role in this change, promoting awareness campaigns and collaborating with local authorities to improve infrastructure.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the change in presidency, Marco Vitali led Pro Velo Ticino with a strong focus on promoting sustainable mobility. Sabbadini, having already served as vice president and interim secretary, is well aware of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Continuity in leadership is a positive factor for cross-border workers, who can count on experienced and competent guidance to improve cycling infrastructure in the region.

During Vitali's presidency, Pro Velo Ticino achieved important results, including the creation of 50 kilometers of new bike lanes throughout the region and the organization of events such as the 'Sustainable Mobility Week,' which saw the participation of over 10,000 people. Sabbadini stated: 'Our goal is to continue working for a more sustainable Ticino, improving conditions for cyclists and promoting the use of the bicycle as a daily means of transportation.'

Future scenarios

With Sabbadini's election, it is likely that Pro Velo Ticino will continue to work on projects to improve the cycling network and promote the use of the bicycle as a sustainable means of transportation. This could include the creation of new bike lanes, the organization of events to promote cycling mobility, and collaboration with local authorities to improve road safety for cyclists.

For example, the municipality of Bellinzona is planning to invest 2 million Swiss francs in the creation of new bike lanes by 2025. Pro Velo Ticino could collaborate with the municipality to ensure that these projects are carried out efficiently and safely. Additionally, the association could promote awareness campaigns to educate cyclists and drivers about the importance of sharing the road.

For cross-border workers, this means a potential improvement in travel conditions and greater ease in using bicycles for daily commutes. For example, a cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Italy could benefit from new cycling paths connecting the two countries, reducing travel time and improving safety.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers

• Check the new cycling paths in your area of residence and work.
• Participate in events organized by Pro Velo Ticino to stay updated on the latest news.
• Use sustainable mobility apps to plan your cycling routes.
• Collaborate with local authorities to report any problems or needs for improvement in cycling infrastructure.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

Before the implementation of new cycling paths, a cross-border worker who worked in Lugano and resided in Italy could take up to 45 minutes to reach their workplace by bicycle. After the creation of new cycling paths, the travel time has been reduced to 30 minutes, significantly improving the quality of life for the cross-border worker.

Furthermore, using the bicycle as a daily means of transport can have a positive impact on the environment. According to a recent study, every kilometer traveled by bicycle instead of by car reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 150 grams. This means that a cross-border worker who travels 20 kilometers a day by bicycle can save approximately 3 tons of CO2 per year.

Conclusion

The change in presidency at Pro Velo Ticino represents an opportunity to continue promoting sustainable mobility in Ticino. With the commitment of Claudio Sabbadini and the continuity in leadership, cross-border workers can expect significant improvements in cycling infrastructure and travel conditions. This will not only improve the quality of life for cross-border workers but also contribute to a more sustainable and safe environment for everyone.

Useful tools for your case

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who use bicycles to travel between the Canton of Ticino and Italy, it is essential to stay updated on the initiatives of Pro Velo Ticino. The new president, Claudio Sabbadini, has promised to continue promoting cycling mobility, with a particular focus on safe infrastructure and cross-border connections. For example, the "Lake Lugano Cycle Path" project aims to connect Lugano with the Italian cities of Porlezza and Menaggio by 2025, reducing travel times and improving cyclist safety.

Cross-border workers can expect further improvements in cycling infrastructure, such as the expansion of bike lanes in Bellinzona and Locarno, and the installation of new charging stations for electric bicycles in Lugano and Mendrisio. It is advisable to participate in events organized by Pro Velo Ticino and stay in touch with the association to be informed about new initiatives and projects.

Procedure to participate in events

1. Registration: Cross-border workers interested in participating in events organized by Pro Velo Ticino can register on the association's official website. Registration fees vary depending on the event but generally range around 10-20 CHF. 2. Information: You can obtain information about events and ongoing initiatives by contacting the Pro Velo Ticino office at +41 91 921 97 97 or visiting their website. For example, the next "Ticino Bike Tour" will take place on September 15, 2024, starting from Lugano and ending in Chiasso. 3. Participation: Participating in events is a way to support the cause of cycling mobility and to meet other people who share the same interests. During the event, participants can also benefit from discounts on cycling equipment and maintenance services.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Verify the validity of your passport or identity card.
• Ensure you have valid health insurance in Switzerland.
• Check local regulations on cycling traffic, such as the speed limit of 20 km/h in urban areas.
• Use the cost calculator to plan transportation costs, considering that the average cost of an annual public transport subscription in Ticino is around 1,200 CHF.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who uses a bicycle to travel from Mendrisio to Chiasso saves about 500 CHF per year compared to someone using a private car, considering fuel and parking costs.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker who participates in Pro Velo Ticino events can benefit from discounts on cycling equipment, reducing initial costs by about 10-15%.

For more information and to stay updated on the latest news, visit the Pro Velo Ticino website and subscribe to the newsletter. Use the cost calculator to plan your trips and optimize transportation costs.

Source: ticinonews.ch