Trento, Jan. 25 (LaPresse) – "No more parades and empty promises. Give those who love this sport the chance to practice it safely, as these tragedies only serve to drive young people away from cycling. Politics must send a strong signal, for example by planning the completion and construction of safe cycling infrastructure, such as velodromes, launching awareness campaigns for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and introducing school programs to teach children and teenagers the importance of road safety. Additionally, promote the development of '30 zones' in cities and the introduction of 'bike lanes' on roads with high cyclist traffic." This was communicated by the Trentino Cycling Federation following the fatal accident involving 19-year-old Sara Piffer, a two-time Trentino champion who also participated in the Under-18 World Championships.
The young athlete was training with her brother, also a competitive cyclist, on an internal road connecting Mezzocorona to Mezzolombardo when she was struck head-on by a car. "A tragedy that must prompt reflection by all parties responsible for ensuring safety on our roads," reads a statement. "Another road homicide that has taken the life of a young girl and, at the same time, crushed the passion and hope of an athlete with a promising future. In light of this event, the Committee will do its part. But politics must pay more attention to the demands and needs of both competitive and recreational cycling communities."