On European Mobility Week, which runs from September 16 to 22 and promotes active, sustainable, urban mobility and the use of public transport and other clean transportation solutions, we are organizing the 13th Split Biking Tour!
This year, the Biking Tour takes place on September 22, World Car-Free Day, aiming to further draw the attention of citizens and authorities to the issues of congested roads and the lack of cycling infrastructure in Split. Our main goal, of course, is to promote alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycles!
By signing up for the Biking Tour, you too can become an active participant in change. And to make this process easier for you, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Split Biking Tour.
How to participate in the Biking Tour?
You can participate in the Split Biking Tour in several ways:
- as a cyclist
- as a volunteer
- as a participant in activities at the finish line
- as a spectator (and supporter).
Cyclist
If you sign up as a cyclist, you will ride with other participants along our route from the Church of St. Francis, around Marjan, to Đardin. With this large group ride, we want to show the authorities that there is a critical mass of people who want to use bicycles as a means of transport in Split. Additionally, you can participate in interesting activities at the finish line (more on that later), which we have organized to further highlight the importance of cycling and improving cycling infrastructure in Split.
Volunteer
If you want to see “what goes on behind the scenes” and are ready to help make this event as successful as possible, sign up as a volunteer for the Split Biking Tour. We rely on high school students, long-term volunteers of Sunce, international and local volunteers – basically, anyone interested in topics of mobility, sustainability, and environmental protection, and who is ready, along with providing concrete help at the event, to promote the key ideas of the Biking Tour among attendees. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved in volunteering for a while, know that this is an excellent starting point because you will never be left on your own during this event – everything is done in teams and under the mentorship of Sunce’s experienced employees. Plus, you will make great connections that may help you in future volunteering efforts!
You can send your volunteer applications via email to: [email protected], or, if it’s easier, you can call us at +38521360779. We accept volunteer applications until September 15, and there will be no late applications on the day of the Biking Tour.
Supporter
Since we plan various activities at the finish line, you can participate in the Split Biking Tour spontaneously – without registering for the ride or volunteering. Come to the finish line at Đardin, have fun, chat with other participants, and learn something about sustainable transport. You might even take home a valuable prize from one of our partners and sponsors. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about membership, volunteering, internships, or employment at Sunce. Find out the benefits each of these types of involvement brings and become an important part of achieving our vision:
Croatia is a country with preserved natural values, marine and coastal environment, and local communities, whose development depends on the principles of sustainability and circular economy.
At the Green Phone stand, citizens who want to report an environmental or nature-related issue can consult with experts. With the support of Sunce’s legal advisor, you’ll learn how to become a voice for the environment.
And, of course, if you’re in the city on September 22 and see cyclists or Sunce stands, feel free to stop by, observe what’s happening, ask questions, and support all the motivated participants. Once you see it all in person, you might decide to join next year.
How to sign up?
You can register for the Biking Tour online until September 20. After that, registration closes, but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to register on the day of the Biking Tour by arriving a bit earlier at Sunce’s stand and registering in person. Those who register this way must report to the “Registration” stand, while those who registered via the online form will be directed to the “Online Registration” stand. All registered participants will receive a raffle ticket, and the raffle will take place at the finish line in Đardin.
Who can sign up?
Anyone who has a bicycle and feels they can complete the designated route (route details below) without major difficulties can sign up for the Split Biking Tour. All participants under 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
As mentioned, even those who haven’t cycled the route can participate in the activities at the finish line. The only exception is the raffle, for which only those who registered for the bike ride can receive a ticket.
How to prepare?
Besides your own bicycle and helmet, we don’t require any special equipment, but we recommend that you:
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the ride.
- Bring an energy bar or something similar, in case you feel weak.
- Wear breathable sports clothing suitable for warmer weather (avoid loose pants, and if you have them, secure them with a clip so they don’t touch the bike chain).
- Wear comfortable sneakers.
- Avoid carrying too many things, and the ones you do carry should be in a bike-friendly bag or backpack (be careful not to overload yourself).
- Although the temperatures are not as high as in July and August, apply sunscreen to exposed parts of your body.
It’s also a good idea to stretch a bit before the ride to warm up, especially for those prone to injuries.
Also, don’t forget to check your bike the day before the Biking Tour to avoid any last-minute surprises. In fact, it’s wise to do an ABC (Air, Brakes, Chain) check before every ride.
Don’t have a bike? Split Parking has a solution!
Want to join the Biking Tour but don’t have a bike? Don’t worry, Split Parking has a solution! All you need to do is download the Nextbike app, register, and activate your account by depositing €10. Then, register for the event at the organizer’s stand.
Rental fees for the bike ride between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM will be refunded to participants.
If you are already a registered user of the public bike system, you do not need to register again, just sign up at the organizer’s stand.
What does the route look like?
This year’s Biking Tour route is approximately 12 kilometers long. The start is at St. Francis Church at 4:00 PM, and the route continues:
- around Marjan
- through Street of Sedam Kaštela (via Poljud)
- Zrinsko Frankopanska Street (toward Lora)
- Put Supavla (from Poljud to Joker)
- Stinice (around Joker)
- Street of Domovinskog Rata to the Municipality
- Livanjska, Senjska, and Zagrebačka streets to Đardin.
What happens at the finish line?
At the finish line, whether you arrive by bike or on foot, refreshments (fruit, healthy snacks, and drinks) will be available for free starting at 5:00 PM at Đardin. Thanks to our sponsor, BioBio, 60 kilos of fresh, delicious apples await! You can snack on them immediately, and there will be plenty to take home. Just don’t forget to bring reusable bags to carry them.
Since we don’t use disposable plastics, keep in mind that drinks will be served in Sunce’s reusable plastic cups, which require a deposit. The deposit is €2, which is returned when the cup is returned. Of course, if you want to keep the cup as a souvenir, we won’t return the deposit.
In addition to food and drinks, from 5:00 PM various fun activities will take place at the finish line. Accompanied by music, in those activities, we’re sure, all generations will enjoy:
- Raffle – open to everyone who completes the bike route;
- Bicycle Alka – just like the real Sinjska Alka, but on bikes;
- BMX stunts – a chance to see live tricks on the famous small but powerful BMX bike;
- BMX workshops – participation in the workshops is free, but spots are limited, so hurry to sign up! The workshops are designed for two age groups: children aged 5 to 10, and from 10 to 14 – LINK FOR SIGN-UP.
- Eco-quiz for kids – five questions about bicycles and sustainability that need to be answered as quickly as possible (anyone with a smartphone can participate by scanning the QR code for the quiz).
You can find out how to participate in the listed activities at Sunce’s stands, which will be set up in Đardin.
For all activities, our partners and sponsors have provided valuable prizes, which we’ll talk more about soon, so keep an eye on our website and social media!
Hurry, sign up for the 13th Split Biking Tour and become an active participant in change!
