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Road cycling and safety in Italy
Alessandro Furesi Satta1, Diego Vollaro2, Massimo Sacchetti1
1University of Rome ''Foro Italico'', Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135 Rome, Italy.
Igiene E Sanita Pubblica
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Competitive cyclists in Italy, including those in the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI), experience road safety issues. Data from 2017-2023 shows younger FCI athletes have fewer injuries, and FCI members have lower mortality rates than non-FCI cyclists, especially post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine and Public Health
- Road Safety and Epidemiology
Background:
- Bicycles are crucial for micromobility and sports, but cycling safety remains a concern in many countries.
- Competitive cycling involves inherent risks that necessitate a focus on athlete safety and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the road safety and mortality rates of competitive cyclists in Italy over a seven-year period (2017-2023).
- To analyze injury patterns and compare mortality between Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) athletes and non-FCI cyclists, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of an anonymous dataset of 5754 injury events involving FCI athletes (2017-2023).
- Comparison of mortality data between FCI athletes and the general non-FCI cyclist population using public statistics.
Main Results:
- 36 deaths among FCI athletes (Juniores, Under 23, Elite, Master) were recorded between 2017-2023; no fatalities under 16.
- Younger athletes (under 16) showed reduced injury rates compared to Elite and Master categories.
- FCI athletes exhibited lower mortality rates than non-FCI cyclists, with a statistically significant difference observed post-COVID-19 (p>0.01).
- An inverse correlation was found between population density and normalized injury rates.
Conclusions:
- Younger FCI athletes appear to be in a safer condition compared to Elite athletes.
- FCI athletes demonstrate a reduced mortality rate relative to the general cycling population.
- Specific training and consistent use of protective gear may contribute to reduced mortality among competitive cyclists, warranting further investigation.
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