Sarajevo gets its first bicycle counter

(Patria) - Sarajevo has received its first bicycle counter, installed near the Olympic Pool in Otoka, as part of activities initiated last month during European Mobility Week.

This installation aims to promote sustainable forms of transport and encourage the use of bicycles as an environmentally friendly means of transportation.

The installation of the counter is financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the ProSUMP project of the Open Regional Fund for Southeast Europe – Energy, Transport and Climate Protection, implemented by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport of Sarajevo Canton and the City of Sarajevo.

The bicycle counter will record the number of cyclists using the bike path, providing valuable data for future infrastructure planning according to the actual needs of citizens.

This counter complements the existing mobility island near the Otoka Olympic Pool, which includes a covered bicycle parking, a bike path, a smart bench, an electric vehicle charger, along with a pedestrian zone and a promenade along the Miljacka River.

This pilot project is part of the activities defined in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of Sarajevo Canton (SUMP), the development of which was supported by GIZ.

The changes occurring at the level of Sarajevo Canton concerning sustainable transport are aligned with this strategic document, which lays the foundation for long-term improvement of the quality of life through sustainable transport solutions.

- The Ministry of Transport will significantly work on improving cycling infrastructure in the coming years in cooperation with the city and municipalities. Our cooperation and the implementation of planned projects related to urban mobility are of great importance to all our citizens - stated Minister Šteta.

The Mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, emphasized the importance of this project as part of broader efforts towards a more sustainable future for Sarajevo.

- The installation of the first bicycle counter in Sarajevo represents a significant step towards sustainable mobility and the promotion of cycling in our city and symbolizes our commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable city.

Our goal is to build a Sarajevo where mobility is synonymous with health, safety, and sustainability, making it a better place to live for everyone - said Karić.

The installation of the counter aims to raise awareness about the importance of cycling as a key element of sustainable mobility.

Milenka Mila Knežević from GIZ added: "The Otoka location was chosen for the installation of the first counter to determine the actual usage of bicycles as a means of transport for commuting/business purposes, thereby obtaining clear parameters that enable further sustainable planning of a city focused on people, not cars, all with the aim of reducing transport emissions."

By recording the number of cyclists, it contributes to raising awareness and encouraging Sarajevo citizens to increasingly choose bicycles as a means of transport, thereby reducing traffic jams and the level of pollution in the city, which is often one of the most polluted cities in the region.