With the advent of pleasant weather, an increasing number of Banja Luka residents are opting for bicycles as their preferred mode of transportation, forsaking cars for two-wheelers.
Despite the numerous health and environmental benefits associated with cycling, there is a call for additional efforts to motivate citizens and improve cycling infrastructure.
In recent days, shelters and ramps for bicycles have been installed in several Banja Luka neighborhoods, soon to be accessible to residents.
New bicycle parking facilities have been established in the Borik neighborhood, adjacent to the renowned "Titanic" buildings, in the city center opposite the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, and in the Starčevica neighborhood near the footbridge at the intersection of Jug Bogdan and Stevan Prvovenčani streets.
This initiative marks another step in advancing cycling traffic within the city. Notably, bicycle parking with shelters was recently introduced at the intersection of Srednjoškolska Street and Knjaza Miloša Street (near the "Verno" shopping center) and at the Health Center location, as well as near the "Delta planet" shopping center. According to municipal authorities, these shelters are equipped with so-called "klamerice," optimal for securing bicycles, electric bicycles, and other micromobility devices.
Bicycle counters at three locations in the city recorded an increase in bicycle users in January and February this year compared to the same period last year.