European Mobility Week celebrated
European Mobility Week is traditionally organized in the third week of September to draw attention to numerous traffic issues in European cities, promote the idea of sustainable urban mobility, and encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport by raising public awareness of their benefits.
Organized by the Capital City of Podgorica, the Biciklo.me association, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Montenegro, and the European House, this event began today with a press conference at the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro, as well as with an ecological and safe ride on a simulator. It will conclude with an organized bicycle ride on September 22, the traditional bike ride through the Capital City.
The opening of European Mobility Week was attended by Minister of Transportation Maja Vukićević, Mayor of Podgorica Olivera Injac, and the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Radoje Vujadinović.
On this occasion, Minister Maja Vukićević stated:
- For municipalities and cities, European Mobility Week provides an excellent opportunity to present sustainable traffic alternatives to their residents and explain the environmental challenges they face. This is a chance to discuss various aspects of mobility and air quality, explore innovative solutions to reduce car usage, and test new technological and planning solutions. The campaign gives citizens an opportunity to explore new ways of using urban streets and experiment with practical solutions that contribute to addressing major urban issues, such as air pollution.
Mayor of Podgorica Olivera Injac emphasized that the Capital City continuously carries out numerous activities to encourage mobility among citizens.
- That is why we have come today to symbolically mark the beginning of European Mobility Week. We have launched many initiatives last year and this year to encourage citizens to use public transport more and cars less. Subsidies for bicycle purchases are being offered, and other activities are being promoted through the work of the Podgorica Tourist Organization, the Secretariat for Sports, and many other departments of the Capital City to encourage citizens to switch to alternative means of transport. This is an important topic due to the many traffic-related issues in the city, and we are continuously working on this plan. Our goal is to encourage citizens to adopt mobility, transition to healthier lifestyles, and work together towards a more sustainable concept for Podgorica and Montenegro - stated Injac.
Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Radoje Vujadinović noted that they are always available to government bodies and local administrations, especially the Capital City, to assist, within their capacities, in addressing all traffic-related issues with the support of science and research.
- The theme this time is a wonderful event, European Mobility Week, which is celebrated in all major cities across Europe. I am very pleased that Podgorica is participating in these activities through numerous initiatives. We see that we have many challenges in the capital city, primarily an unsatisfactory level of traffic culture, meaning a lack of respect for traffic regulations, excessive use of cars, and underdeveloped habits toward non-motorized transport, walking, and cycling. However, it is encouraging to see the increasing use of and investments in public transport. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has planned several activities as part of this event, mainly focused on improving traffic safety. Unfortunately, this year, ten pedestrians lost their lives, a significant number of them in the capital city, and through several activities, we will try to highlight the need for changes in this sector - said Vujadinović.