Cycling Toward Health and Cleaner Air: How Young People Are Moving Cities Forward
27, February 2025
The youth-led initiative “Sustainable Urban Mobility” is all about bringing health back—to both people and cities.
Viktor Buchovski, Ivona Leskur, Nina Zubac, and Gent Salihi have created a comprehensive plan to integrate sustainable and healthy habits into everyday mobility. Their vision? Cities where bikes, pedestrian zones, and public transportation are not just alternatives, but daily norms.
The initiative promotes the introduction of low-emission zones, subsidies for bicycle purchases, and workplace policies that encourage active commuting—such as showers at offices, secure bicycle parking, or bonuses for employees who don’t use cars.
In addition to infrastructure, the plan places a strong emphasis on public health. Through campaigns, challenges (like “Bike to Work”), and partnerships with health institutions, the initiative aims to show that walking and cycling aren’t just environmentally friendly—they also reduce stress, obesity, and disease risk.
The proposed measures can be applied in any city seeking to become healthier, greener, and more humane. Collaboration with municipalities, schools, employers, and local communities is essential to success—because mobility isn’t just about traffic; it’s about habits, values, and the support of our surroundings.
Other initiatives developed by the program’s participants can be found in the publication “Green Horizons – Policy Pathways to a Sustainable Future.”
The relevant section of the publication regarding this initiative is available here: Sustainable urban mobility.
