Although not as large as Belgrade, Novi Sad or Ni\u0161, Novi Pazar is one of the cities in Serbia where getting around by car has become a real ordeal. Frequent traffic gridlocks have made even everyday activities, such as commuting to work, a daily challenge.<\/p>\n
The problem is compounded by Novi Pazar\u2019s narrow streets and alleys, a shortage of parking spaces and an inefficient public transport system. As a result, residents are increasingly turning to alternative modes of transport, such as cycling, which is particularly suited to a city that is largely hilly.<\/p>\n
For this reason, the City of Novi Pazar has joined the \u201cCityMove\u201d<\/a><\/strong> project, supported through the \u201cInterreg IPA ADRION\u201d<\/a> <\/strong>programme, which aims to improve and promote urban mobility by developing and testing new, innovative, sustainable and practical solutions.<\/p>\n As part of the project, Novi Pazar has had the opportunity to establish pilot infrastructure for the use of electric bicycles. Two charging stations, each with seven bicycle spaces, have been purchased and installed, along with 10 electric bicycles available for residents to rent.<\/p>\n \u201cThese bicycles are a lifesaver. I get a headache whenever I have to drive through the city, especially during the summer months when traffic is at its worst. This is much faster and easier, without all the stress. It is also a form of recreation and healthier. I only wish people would take a little more care of these donated bicycles,\u201d<\/em> says Damir.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n One of the bicycle stations has been installed at the entrance to the enclosed parking facility next to the \u201cVrbak\u201d Hotel, in the centre of Novi Pazar, making it particularly useful for drivers who leave their cars there.<\/p>\n \u201cAll users of our services, that is, those who park their cars at this parking facility, can use a bicycle for as long as their vehicle remains parked here. It is also important to point out that residents who own electric bicycles can use these stations free of charge to charge them,\u201d<\/em> said Nermin Ljaji\u0107, Director of the Public Utility Company \u201cParking Service\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Project Coordinator Tarik Rupi\u0107 adds that the City of Novi Pazar is aware of the city\u2019s traffic problems.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are aware of the constant congestion in the city centre, which is why we installed these stations at two key locations in the centre, so that residents can use bicycles for their daily needs. I would simply appeal to citizens to take care of these stations and bicycles. This is a pilot project, and we want it to be successful so that we can secure additional stations and bicycles in the future and help, at least partially, address the traffic problem in the city centre,\u201d<\/em> said Rupi\u0107.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\n
\n