Local Girl Pedals to Preschool, Inspiring Community to Embrace Cycling

Every morning, four-year-old Kalina Maksimovski rides her pink bicycle with training wheels to the JPU “Đina Vrbica” preschool in Zabjelo, Montenegro, drawing praise from parents and encouraging a culture of cycling in the community. Kalina’s journey has sparked conversations among parents about the benefits of cycling, especially as they navigate the challenges of parking around schools.

Kalina’s parents, Aleksandra and Saša Maksimovski, support their daughter’s desire to cycle to school, believing it fosters healthy lifestyle choices from an early age. They recognize the importance of outdoor activities in enhancing children’s intellectual and motor skills. “She rides whenever the weather is dry, and a little wind doesn’t bother her,” Aleksandra shared, emphasizing their commitment to encouraging Kalina’s independence and confidence.

Encouraging Independence and Responsibility

The Maksimovski family lives just a few hundred meters from the preschool, which motivates them to incorporate cycling into their daily routine. Saša explained that they avoid busy streets by taking side roads, allowing Kalina to enjoy her ride without the stress of heavy traffic. “We started with short rides, like this one to preschool, which takes about five minutes,” he noted. As Kalina grows more comfortable, they plan to extend their journeys, including trips to the park and her older sister’s school.

Kalina is not only learning to ride but also developing a sense of responsibility. Her parents encourage her to secure her bicycle at the preschool parking area, teaching her to check the tires and handle minor obstacles. “We want her to understand that this is her means of transport and her responsibility,” Saša added. This approach aims to instill a sense of ownership and accountability in Kalina as she navigates her surroundings.

Challenges in Cycling Infrastructure

Despite the family’s enthusiasm for cycling, both Aleksandra and Saša highlight the challenges they face due to inadequate cycling infrastructure in Podgorica. They noted the absence of dedicated bike paths, which complicates safe travel for families. “We find it troubling that there are not enough cycling lanes or parking spaces for bikes, especially in parks and near schools,” Aleksandra said.

Kalina’s bicycle is often locked outside the preschool, raising concerns about safety. Her older sister, Lenka, who is two years her senior, cannot ride her bicycle to school due to a lack of secure parking. “We hope that authorities will take notice of our situation and improve cycling facilities for children,” Saša expressed, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for young riders.

To address these issues, the Maksimovski family suggests that schools implement bicycle racks and even surveillance systems to secure bicycles. “These solutions wouldn’t require significant investment but would greatly enhance safety for children wishing to cycle to school,” he concluded.

Kalina’s story is more than just about a girl riding a bicycle; it reflects a growing movement towards promoting cycling as a viable mode of transport in urban areas. As her parents continue to support her passion, they hope their efforts will inspire other families in Montenegro to adopt similar practices, fostering a healthier, more active lifestyle for the community.