BELC campaign mobilises famous Italian cyclist to promote sustainability

To promote the 20th annual National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles in Italy, at the invitation of the country’s Rai Radio Due, BELC member Marco Chiriaco enlisted the energy of famous Italian cyclist Paola Gianotti, who is both a symbol of green mobility and a long-time campaigner for cyclist road safety.

In February, Ms Gianotti, a motivational speaker and 4-time Guinness World Record holder, rode 2700 kilometres in 18 stages across Europe on her bike, from Helsinki to Paris, arriving on 16 February, for the day to celebrate conservation and sustainability. She passed through several European countries on her journey, including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

For his part, Mr Chiriaco, who’s the councillor in Roccavignale, called on fellow BELC members around Europe to support the initiative and raise awareness of this day, which has become increasingly important in Italy. Kadri Kauksi, a fellow BELC member from Estonia’s Lääne-Harju vald municipality has also supported the campaign and raised awareness in her constituency by posting on the official Facebook page and included the news in the municipality’s newsletter.

The National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles emerged out of the ‘M'illumino di meno (‘I light myself less’) event created 20 years ago in Italy on Rai Radio Due’s show called ’Caterpillar’. Eventually, Italy’s Parliament declared the 16th of February as the National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles.