The resilient cycle network. The case study of Montesilvano.

In recent years, in Montesilvano, the frequency of urban flooding resulting from extreme weather events is increasing. This is the reason why the Research Convention between the Department of Architecture of Pescara and the Municipality of Montesilvano wants to verify if the cycle networks can help solve this problem. Legislation, guidelines and good practices do not provide useful information because their priority is the realization of the greatest number of kilometers of cycle paths where safety, functionality of the route and intermodality are guaranteed.

To find operational references, it is necessary to consider plans to combat climate changes that include the integration of the relationship between cycling networks and rainwater management. As it happens in:

• Plan Melbourne (2017/2050) with the La Trobe Street bicycle lane
• Philadelphia Citywide Vision (2011/2050) with the Green Street Design Manual
• Copenaghen Climate Adaptation Plan (2011/2025) with The Copenhagenize Current -Stormwater Management and Cycle Tracks

The comparison shows that the relationship between cycling networks and rainwater management can contribute to urban resilience if the project involves at least three main actions: get out of the logic of the sector, work on the space of the network and on its associated space and give importance to the relationship with the context.

In Montesilvano, within the two north-south parallel roads (Strada parco and Lungomare) and the five perpendicular east-west (Great hotels, via Strasburgo, via Marinelli, via Torrente Piomba, Palaroma), it is necessary to identify where it is possible to plan a cycle network which is not only an infrastructure for slow mobility but also an equipment that contributes to urban resilience.