Page 47 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

Enhancing Sustainable Mobility: Insights from Cycling Initiatives
for Working-Age Adults in Slovenia

1
Sergej Gričar, Urška Longar , Štefan Bojnec 2
1 University of Novo mesto Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Novo mesto,
Slovenia
2 University of Primorska, Faculty of Management, Koper, Slovenia

Introduction: Daily commuting poses significant challenges in Slovenia, prompting the
exploration of alternative modes such as cycling. While cycling offers various benefits,
obstacles such as secure parking and weather resilience persist—Slovenia’s allocation
for sustainable mobility reform trails behind neighbouring Austria, necessitating effec-
tive policy interventions. Dutch initiatives emphasise strategic planning and infrastruc-
ture development, offering valuable insights for Slovenia’s mobility transition.
Methods: This study utilises time-series data analysis spanning 1997 to 2021 and inter-
views conducted in March 2024 with Dutch government representatives. The afore-
mentioned sources underpin current mobility patterns and future perspectives, par-
ticularly regarding cycling for daily commuting. Insights from Dutch strategies are
juxtaposed with Slovenian data to identify effective measures for sustainable mobili-
ty promotion.
Results: Analysis reveals ineffective measures in Slovenia, evidenced by increasing car
usage amidst declining bicycle utilisation. Factors such as fuel prices and public trans-
port availability significantly influence transportation choices. Dutch initiatives priori-
tise cyclist safety and pedestrian mobility, highlighting areas for improvement. Insights
underscore the importance of strategic planning, public-citizenship communication
and commuting plans to develop sustainable daily mobility practices among work-
ing-age adults.
Discussion and conclusions: Comparison with Dutch strategies highlights the need for
comprehensive approaches encompassing infrastructure improvements and soft
measures. Short- and medium-term interventions complement long-term infrastruc-
ture developments. Employer incentives, such as bicycle facilities and transportation
subsidies, support sustainable commuting practices among working-age adults.
The Netherlands’ success in promoting cycling underscores the importance of mul- izzivi na področju ergonomije, gibalne (ne)aktivnosti ... | challenges in human factors, physical (in)activity ...
ti-level collaboration and comprehensive strategies. Effective policy interventions are
imperative for achieving sustainable mobility goals in Slovenia. Emulating Dutch initia-
tives, Slovenia needs to prioritise strategic commuting planning, infrastructure devel-
opment, and soft measures to reshape mobility culture and foster sustainable com-
muting practices with broader implications for transportation and other policies such
as in sport-recreational-health areas.
Keywords: sustainability, bikes, Slovenia, commuting, working-age adults

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