Reggio Emilia: a city to explore by bike, between history, nature, and sustainability
04/08/2025 3 min 682 Hospitality

Reggio Emilia: a city to explore by bike, between history, nature, and sustainability

Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Reggio Emilia stands out for its balanced combination of culture,

green landscapes, and urban innovation. Known as one of Italy’s most livable and environmentally conscious cities, Reggio Emilia is now a model for sustainable mobility thanks to its ever-expanding cycling network. With 194.53 kilometers of bike lanes, equal to 1.13 meters per inhabitant, it is an ideal destination for those who choose to travel slowly, mindfully, and immersively.

The city’s commitment to cycling is not just a detail of urban planning but part of a broader vision focused on livability. At a time when sustainable tourism is gaining more importance, Reggio Emilia responds with infrastructure that prioritizes the environment and the well-being of both residents and visitors.

The bike network spans the entire urban area, connecting neighborhoods, parks, cultural centers, and tourist attractions. This allows guests staying in the city to explore it in its entirety without needing a car, reducing environmental impact and fostering a closer connection with both urban and rural surroundings.

Among the most appreciated routes, the bike path that links the house of Ludovico Ariosto with the Reggia di Rivalta stands out. This itinerary brings together the beauty of the Emilian countryside, historical richness, and the discreet charm of noble architecture. Along the way, riders encounter natural landscapes, shaded stretches, and areas equipped for open-air breaks. Ideal during the milder seasons, the route is perfect for a spring countryside ride or a summer cycling trip, offering serenity and harmony with the environment.

The Reggia di Rivalta, with its gardens inspired by Versailles, is one of the gems of Reggio Emilia’s artistic and historical heritage. Combined with the birthplace of the poet Ariosto, this route offers a thematic journey that blends literature, art, and landscape. The cycling experience thus becomes cultural, transforming into a complete and enriching adventure.

The cycling infrastructure is supported by a well-developed urban micromobility system. Several rental services operate in the city, including Dott, which provides electric bikes and scooters for easy and eco-friendly transportation. These vehicles make it easy to combine bike paths with pedestrian or road sections, offering flexible options for every need—even for those without their own bike.

Reggio Emilia is also a city with a strong culinary, cultural, and social identity. After cycling through historic neighborhoods or natural routes, visitors can immerse themselves in a food scene that celebrates Emilian tradition: Parmigiano Reggiano, erbazzone, green tortelli, balsamic vinegar, and local wines enhance each stop with authenticity and bold flavor.

Numerous urban green areas, such as the Public Gardens or the Parco del Crostolo, offer additional attractions easily reachable by bike. These green spaces are often equipped with fountains, benches, and designated paths, making them ideal for a refreshing break after a ride.

In a context where tourism is increasingly leaning toward experiential and sustainable forms, Reggio Emilia confirms itself as a reference point for those seeking authenticity, balance, and harmony between city and nature. Its bike lane network, integrated with the urban fabric and cultural landmarks, represents not only a mode of transport but a genuine way of living and discovering the territory.

Richiedi una consulenza personalizzata