Siena’s medieval architecture, stunning views, and welcoming community create an undeniably charming atmosphere. While exploring beyond the city’s historic walls, I came across a station for the local bike-sharing program, Si’ Pedala (“We Ride” / “Siena Rides”). These bikes are well-equipped with eight gears, disc brakes, and front suspension, and the dock stations are thoughtfully designed and easy to find. Despite these positive attributes, Si’ Pedala has experienced a decrease in ridership over recent years.
The program’s dock-to-dock model is ideal for avoiding sidewalk congestion. However, in a city with Siena’s challenging elevation, even a short walk to locate a docking station can be a deterrent, especially for residents and tourists navigating the steep terrain. While the e-bikes effortlessly handle the hills, reaching a final destination after docking often remains a challenging experience.
The issue lies in Siena’s unique topography. For urban mobility to thrive here, flexibility is key. Moving toward a free-floating model could encourage greater use by allowing riders to conveniently park closer to their destinations. Additionally, the Si’ Pedala program is affordably priced, suggesting that the decline in ridership may be more tied to accessibility than affordability—highlighting an opportunity for Siena to explore more adaptable, user-centric bike-sharing solutions.
The greener, the merrier 