Over 100 participants in inclusive Prespa bike tour; adaptive bicycles take centre stage
Inclusive bike ride on 15 August brought over 100 participants to Prespa; adaptive bicycles and a new rental service were presented
More than 100 people with and without disabilities took part on 15 August in an inclusive cycling tour called "Prespanski avanTURI", riding along the shores of Pretor and Slivnica on standard and adaptive bikes to combine movement, socialising and enjoying nature around Lake Prespa.
Adaptive bikes in the spotlight
The event was organised by Iquality together with the Association "Future of Tradition" from Resen, as part of the project "The Magic of Prespa". Organisers say the adaptive bicycles attracted particular interest during the tour and at the subsequent picnic in Pretor, where participants could try different models up close.
"Most important for us was to create an event where different people can ride together, socialise and experience Prespa without divisions. We are most pleased to have seen children and adults with great curiosity trying the adaptive bicycles, which shows us that through such experiences greater understanding, acceptance and a natural sense of equality are created," said Gere Tripkov of Iquality.
UNDP highlighted that Prespa became the area's most active "bike spot" over the past weekend. "Over 100 participants – cyclists, amateurs, people with disabilities and lovers of active and inclusive tourism – sent a strong message that Prespa is a destination with equal opportunities for all," UNDP said, adding that the region is positioning itself as an attractive green tourism destination for sport, nature and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Work is underway to mark and reconstruct almost 100 kilometres of new cycling tracks in the direction of Konjsko–Dolno Dupeni, creating better conditions for wheeled sports around the lake, the organisers added. "Inclusion, equal opportunities and accessibility are the foundation of tourism in which everyone can participate, enjoy and be part of the shared experience," UNDP representatives said.
The tour also introduced a new service called "Rent Adaptive Velo". Adaptive bicycles will remain available after the one-day event: the Resen-based Association "Future of Tradition" will offer the adaptive bikes for use and rental so that people with disabilities, their families and other visitors can continue to access adaptive cycling experiences. The coverage also referenced the earlier initiative "March of the Excluded" on 6 June, a call for free pavements, paths and public spaces for people with disabilities.
Photo: press material from the event
