To show their opinion about sustainable mobility or the lack of it in Split, on Sunday, September 17, around 200 cycling enthusiasts cycled through the streets of Split. Organized by Sunce, the traditional Split Biking Tour emphasized the importance of dealing with the climate crisis, providing an opportunity to reflect on the impact of traffic on the environment. For the twelfth year in a row, this manifestation highlights the problem of congested roads, promotes alternative forms of transport and conveys ideas for improving the cycling infrastructure in Split.
– This year’s Biking Tour would be impossible without our partners the City of Split, the Tourist Board of the Split-Dalmatia County, Split Parking and the Tourist Board of the City of Split. Jointly, we tried to increase citizens’ awareness of the importance of sustainable mobility in the face of the climate crisis. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and public transport, plays a key role in dealing with the climate crisis. Cycling is not only environmentally friendly, but also a fun way of moving that does not pollute the air. If all of us gave a little thought to how we move, we can foster a more pleasant and healthy environment to live in. – said organizer Tihana Arapović, expert associate of Sunce.
– I am delighted with the response of the people and the length of this year’s route. I hope that every year the route will be longer, and that we will influence some paths for daily use by bicycles in Split. – remarked Dario, one of the participants.
The gathered were greeted by the deputy mayor Bojan Ivošević, who himself drove the route of the Split bicycle race.
– We are working on the urban mobility of the city of Split because the car is not the solution for everyone. We hope citizens will support the changes that are coming soon. – said the deputy mayor briefly.
Rich program and entertainment for all generations in Đardin
The opening of the Split Biking Tour event started at the Church of St. Frane at 15:30, where the participants registered. At 4:00 p.m., all registered cyclists started cycling through the city streets towards the destination – Đardin. In Đardin, participants were provided with refreshments: stands with fruit, juices and nutritious snacks. The special entertainment program in Đardin included a raffle, a Bauction and an eco-quiz, all accompanied by music.
– In cooperation with donors, Sunce has prepared over 30 individual prizes for the raffle and the Bicycle Alka in Đardin. In addition to the grand prize of Extreme Bike Shop bicycle, other attractive prizes were donated by Red adventures, Promet Split, Iris adventures, Fitness Centra Joker, Ekran, bio&bio, City Spa, Inn & pizzeria Maslina, UpCafe, Hair salon Like and Split parking. – said Arapović.
After ten terns and six cinquinis were drawn, the main raffle prize was won by professor IV. Marko Marulić high school from Split.
– I brought 40 students and lent them my bikes so they could participate in this year’s Bike Fair. That I won the main prize, and that for a bicycle, is absolutely incredible! – said Natalia.
In order for everything to go smoothly, Sunce’s employees were substantially supported by volunteers from the School of Natural Sciences, Health and Tourism and Hospitality from Split and the Spinut Sea Scout Detachment. They, among other things, helped at the stands, in the execution of the entertainment program and in guiding the cyclists during the ride itself.
Knowledge competitions and in the spirit of Alka of Sinj
The Bicycle Alka, a competition that attracted a lot of attention, was held in the spirit of the Sinj tradition. As many as 17 participants had the opportunity to show their skills on the bike, competing in precision and concentration. Zipline for two, the main prize of the Bicycle Alka, was won by Luka.
– Thank you. I will have a great time in Omiš! – Luka said briefly to all those gathered.
The eco-quiz turned out to be a fantastic opportunity to have fun, learn new things about cycling and the Sun, and claim prizes. The majority of those gathered raised their hands on cycling questions, and the resourceful ones gained knowledge about other topics at the Sunce info-stand.
Membership or donation for the future of Split
During the fun part in Đardin, visitors could get information about the work of the association Sunce at the info stand and become a free member on the occasion of the association’s 25th anniversary.
– Any person who supports the vision, mission and goals of Sunce can become a member. The annual membership fee for employees is 10 euros, and for the unemployed, students and pensioners it is 5 euros. On top of that, if you volunteer for 10 hours or more, you are exempt from paying the membership fee for the current year. The membership fee directly supports the protection of nature and the environment and contributes to sustainable development. – Margita Gospodnetić from Sunce informed us.
Sunce, as one of the leading organizations for the protection of nature and the environment in Croatia, has been working to protect nature and the environment for 25 years. The results are based on expertise, persistence and enthusiasm, and this influence extends beyond the borders of Croatia.
– On the occasion of the celebration of 25 years of the existence of Sunce, we would like to invite you to join us with a donation in shaping an even sunnier future for our planet. Even the modestest donation is important to us. We may not “save the planet” with it, but we will get the message that you support our efforts, which motivates and makes us extremely happy. – concluded Tihana Arapović.