[Nicolò Silvani]

Hi all,

I’m Nicolò Silvani and I live in Aberdeen, Scotland, though I am originally from Italy.

1) What areas of expertise do you identify with?

I studied Business IT for my undergraduate degree but, having found the business part more interesting to me, I then attended an environmental entrepreneurship Masters to re-align my career prospects to be in the environmental field. During the course, I focused on Environmental Impact Assessment, circular economy and city systems and infrastructure.

I now work as Campus Cycling Officer at a university in Aberdeen and I am a member of the Aberdeen Cycle Forum, campaigning for improved cycling infrastructure in the city. Having lived in different towns and cities in Italy, Australia and Scotland I have come across good infrastructure examples and wish my current city could have their own sooner rather than later.

2) How do you think your unique perspective will enhance our collective understanding of designing for cycling?

Though I have cycled in rural areas and for leisure before, I have gotten into cycling for commuting purposes, within a city, only during the first Covid lockdown, when roads were quieter, which allowed me to grow in confidence and made me realise how good a way to commute cycling is. I’d like more people to see that. Also, through my studies, I have learnt that the transport sector is the highest emitter in Scotland and that, to reach net-zero by 2045 (as per Scottish law), the sector needs a major overhaul. In my opinion, not only via EV adoption, but even more importantly via the displacements of private cars in favour of active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling), particularly within cities. In Aberdeen, car is king to date; as changes will need to be implemented relatively quickly, it’ll be very interesting to see how this could be achieved.

3) If you wish, leave your name & contact & social media information here so other course members can get in touch with you.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoloSilvani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-silvani/

 

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