Years ago, cyclists shyly began to go into the hills and explore the many terrains in the Tuzla Canton suitable for mountain biking. The pandemic has intensified this trend, so young people are increasingly looking for socializing and fun, nurturing a healthy lifestyle, in the hills and mountains. In order to protect the environment and promote a healthy lifestyle, the Tuzla Community Foundation last year supported numerous projects, including three youth projects related to cycling, and their implementation begins right now, with the arrival of spring.
Young people are looking a way out from the pandemic in the hills
The president of the cycling club “MTB Trebava”, Osman Nurkić, says that he only needs a bicycle and good company for unforgettable adventures. This club is currently working on mapping part of the “Roman” road section in the area of Gračanica, which in the past connected the river Spreča with river Sava, over the mountain Trebava. In addition to wanting to revive a historically significant part of this route, to connect two picnic areas on the beach (Bijela Voda and Vis), these young enthusiasts want to give all citizens the opportunity to safely enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Security supported by route digitization
“Although the minefields on Trebava are clearly marked, there is a certain fear among people. What we want to provide to everyone, not just cyclists, but also hikers and families, is to safely replace asphalt with clean air. We are working on mapping the route and creating an application that will be available to everyone. We will now work hard to set up benches and signposts so that everyone can enjoy a safe environment as soon as possible, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Live childhood dreams by riding bicycles
As a boy, he always dreamed of trying to master new trails with friends, but back then he neither had an adequate bike, nor were there any exciting trails. This is exactly what these enthusiasts want to change and enable for new generations. They hope that their activities will be just the beginning of connecting with similar associations, so that the cities in Tuzla Canton will be connected by mountain routes in the near future. In addition, some of the resorts that they currently want to connect are potentially interesting tourist destinations, so they hope to cooperate with the local government and the tourist community, with which they have already initiated communication. The very idea of a club appeared as a need and desire to socialize in a safe way during the pandemic. Although the excitement for exploring new terrains is indescribable, Osman emphasizes that such adventures go exclusively in groups and with experienced cyclists, and that all those who want to try mountain biking are welcome.
Bicycles are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative mode of transport
Živinice Cycling Club is not discouraged by not opening the season as planned. They do not lose hope, because Živinice is becoming a real “bike-friendly” city. As soon as the conditions allow it, they will invite all citizens to ride and invite everyone to participate in marking of the opening of the season, while they will organize a bicycle riding competition for the youngest on Bulevar. They hope that this project, which will be realized with the support of the Tuzla Community Foundation, will additionally motivate people to use a bicycle more often as a mean of transportation, because that way they also reduce the gas emissions. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of members in the club has doubled, so now almost a hundred young people spend their free time exploring the protected landscape of Konjuh on bicycles. They are actively working on marking the trails and they have entered over 50 mapped kilometers of sections in the Komoote application, which is available to everyone.
“Although I was originally involved in hiking, I tried cycling with my friends and found myself there. The time has come when the government also recognizes the need to provide people with the infrastructure for cycling, so construction of the first highway for cyclists in Živinice has already begun. Although it is only 2 km long for now, the plan is to connect the whole city, and for bicycles to become an acceptable alternative mode of transport”, says Ramo Ramić from MTB Živinice.
Tame mountains in Tuzla Canton area are ideal for a combination of hiking and mountain biking
Enes Herceg from the Association MTB Gradina Srebrenik has been riding bicycle for years as a mean of transport and for fun. He explains that in the coming days, this group of young people will begin working on arranging a neglected hiking trail on Majevica, on the route Lipica – Gornji Hrgovi, by setting up signposts, given that people sometimes get lost because they do not know the terrain. Although they always respond to actions and turn to the search for lost locals and visitors, they believe that Majevica is a kind mountain, with quite flat terrain, which makes it accessible to beginners.
“The pandemic deprived young people of almost all ways for socialization, so they sought entertainment and recreation in the hills. And not just the young, but almost all generations! We are very happy about that and during the first rides we teach them how to orient themselves in nature, how to behave if they get lost, we point out the importance of wearing protective equipment and we do not accept those who do not want to adhere to it. Safety comes first,” explains Muhamed Morankić, a more experienced and older member of the Association, and points out that they want whole families to be involved in group rides.
Although the epidemiological situation is still very unfavorable, these innovative young people have found a way to enjoy what they love in a safe and secure way, while creating conditions for all those who want to follow in their footsteps. These initiatives supported by the Tuzla Community Foundation are just one of the indicators of the potential of Tuzla Canton and how citizens can contribute to creating better living conditions. A new public call for support for youth projects is open until April 18. Learn more at: https://www.fondacijatz.org/page/39/1097#Apliciraj_na_fond
