The Italian city of Milan is launching a transformational project called 'Strade Aperte' which translates as 'Open Roads'.

The city will soon benefit from a significant increase in the number of cycle routes and pedestrian roads: a transformation inspired by the impact of COVID-19. Amid the pandemic, when traffic was extremely limited, officials observed positive environmental side-effects which prompted the decision to cut car use and, with it, pollution.

During Italy's two-month nationwide lockdown, car traffic in Milan was reduced by about 75 percent and air pollution decreased visibly. Milan's Deputy Mayor Marco Granelli says they analyzed the pollution data, which showed "a sharp two-thirds decrease in the pollution of benzene and nitrogen oxides which are pollutants produced mainly by cars."

He adds that before the pandemic hit, over 1 million citizens traveled daily using the subway, but with social distancing likely to be in place for the next several months, that figure is bound to decrease dramatically.

"If those million citizens who can no longer travel using the subway all choose to come to Milan by car, it would mean that we would no longer be able to survive," says Granelli. "It would mean getting all lined up on the street and suffocating from pollution.

"We must therefore think of ways of moving that are sustainable in terms of the virus but also sustainable for traffic and the environment, this is the challenge."

To solve this issue, city officials created the 'Strade Aperte' plan. Instead of reconstructing pavements, roads will simply be widened for pedestrians and cyclists with a new strip of paint, making the process both time and cost-effective. The aim is to build 35 kilometres of cycle paths by the end of the year. A speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour has also been imposed for greater pedestrian safety. 

Aside from creating new cycle routes, a new 15 kilometre metro line is also under construction - Milan's fifth. 

Another issue the city is looking to solve is flexible working hours and distant working options. During lockdown thousands in Milan, as in many other parts of the world, became accustomed to working from home. Officials are now considering contacting companies to discuss alternative working options for employees, which would also no doubt lighten the burden on traffic.

Milan's municipality has decided to allow employees to arrive at work between 8am and 11am rather than the pre-pandemic hours of 8-9 am. Again, the aim is a more efficient use of public transport for people traveling within the city. 

Officials believe these steps together with the 'Strade Aperte' plan will revive Milan while also benefiting the environment.