Three Paths to Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Journey through Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia
4, September 2024
1. Macedonia: Pedaling Toward a Cleaner Future
Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, is facing severe challenges due to air pollution and the need for sustainable transportation solutions. The city has made strides in promoting cycling as a viable alternative through subsidies and public transport initiatives. However, the journey towards a truly bike-friendly city is far from complete.
The grassroots initiative ‘Na tochak’ has been at the forefront of advocating for better cycling infrastructure in Skopje. Their efforts include organizing events, pushing for policy changes, and raising public awareness. Despite these efforts, challenges such as insufficient cycling lanes, lack of secure parking, and the absence of a bike rental program continue to hinder progress.
To truly transform Skopje into a cycling-friendly city, the government must not only address the physical infrastructure but also foster a cultural shift towards cycling. This involves integrating cycling education into schools, encouraging businesses to support cycling among employees, and launching city-wide campaigns to promote the health and environmental benefits of cycling. By creating a more holistic approach that combines infrastructure improvements with cultural change, Skopje can pave the way for a greener, healthier urban environment.
Key Recommendations:
– Expand Cycling Infrastructure: Prioritize the construction of dedicated cycling lanes on major boulevards.
– Improve Parking Facilities: Develop secure and accessible bicycle parking stations throughout the city.
– Introduce Bike-Sharing Systems: Implement a city-wide bike rental program to reduce car dependency.
Skopje’s journey towards a greener, more sustainable future depends on the continued collaboration between government and community initiatives like ‘Na tochak.’ The city’s efforts, while commendable, require a more integrated approach to truly transform urban mobility.
2. Serbia: Navigating the Challenges of Urban Mobility
Urban mobility in Serbia is at a crossroads, with the government making slow progress in integrating cycling into its transportation framework. The National Strategy for Cycling, initiated in 2021, has yet to see significant implementation, reflecting the broader challenges Serbia faces in this area.
Serbia’s hilly terrain, coupled with urban planning decisions that have historically neglected cycling and pedestrian spaces, poses significant obstacles. Additionally, controversies surrounding environmental issues, such as lithium mining for electric vehicles, complicate the narrative of sustainable urban mobility.
Despite these challenges, there is potential for cycling to become a more prominent feature of Serbia’s urban landscape. By investing in infrastructure that accommodates the country’s unique topography and addressing the socio-political barriers to cycling, Serbia can gradually build a more sustainable urban mobility system. Collaborating with European Union partners and learning from best practices in neighboring countries can also accelerate this transition, helping Serbia overcome the inertia that has hindered progress thus far.
Key Challenges:
– Infrastructural Constraints: Serbia’s landscape and existing urban infrastructure make it difficult to establish dedicated cycling lanes.
– Environmental Controversies: The debate over lithium mining highlights the complex trade-offs involved in the transition to greener technologies.
Serbia’s path to sustainable urban mobility requires overcoming significant infrastructural and policy challenges. By aligning more closely with European Union strategies and prioritizing the development of cycling infrastructure, Serbia can begin to address these issues.
3. Croatia: Leading by Example in Green Mobility
Croatia has made notable progress in promoting sustainable urban mobility, with initiatives that encourage cycling, walking, and public transport. The country’s approach to urban development focuses on creating a healthier environment through strategic policy measures and community engagement.
In Zagreb, organizations like The Cyclists’ Union play a pivotal role in advocating for better cycling conditions and promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. The union has also been instrumental in implementing the Cycle-friendly Employer Certification, which encourages companies to support cycling among their employees.
Croatia’s success in promoting cycling is largely due to its comprehensive approach, which includes robust government policies, active community involvement, and strong public-private partnerships. The Cycle-friendly Employer Certification is just one example of how Croatia is setting standards for integrating cycling into daily life. By continuing to innovate and expand these initiatives, Croatia can further solidify its position as a leader in sustainable urban mobility, inspiring other countries in the region to follow suit.
Successful Strategies:
– Cycle-Friendly Employer Certification: Encourages businesses to provide infrastructure and incentives for employees who choose cycling as their mode of transport.
– Community Engagement: Active involvement of NGOs and civil society organizations in promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Croatia’s experience shows how effective policies and community involvement can lead to significant improvements in urban mobility. By continuing to support and expand these initiatives, Croatia can serve as a model for sustainable urban development in the region.
A Regional Vision for Sustainable Urban Mobility
Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia are each on unique paths towards sustainable urban mobility, facing different challenges and opportunities. While Skopje works to overcome infrastructural gaps, Serbia must navigate complex environmental and policy landscapes, and Croatia continues to lead by example with strong community engagement and policy support.
These three countries demonstrate that the journey towards sustainable urban mobility is multifaceted, requiring tailored approaches that consider local contexts. By learning from each other and adopting best practices, Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia can make significant strides toward a greener, healthier future for their cities.
Authors: Gent Salihi, Đurica Stojanović, Nina Zubac, Ivona Leskur, Viktor Buchkovski
