Survey insights based on 200+ cyclists can show why we built Movita Ride at all.
1. Why we conducted the research
Before developing Movita Ride, we wanted to answer a very simple question why people don’t want to ride bicycle in Belgrade? And what those who cycle missing the most?
Instead of guessing, we conducted an independent user survey among cyclists and potential cyclists in Belgrade. The goal was not only to understand current habits, but also to identify barriers, safety perceptions, and real user needs.
The findings were surprisingly clear.
2. Who are Belgrade cyclists?
Belgrade does not yet have a dominant “commuter cycling culture”. However, a significant group already uses bicycles regularly:
- Almost 38% ride daily or several times per week
- the rest cycle occasionally, recreationally, or when conditions allow
This is extremely important to conclude that Belgrade is not a city without cyclists it is a city where cycling exists despite the conditions. In other words: demand already exists. Infrastructure needs improvement.
3. Infrastructure perception
Respondents rated existing cycling infrastructure on a scale from 1 to 5. Average rating: 2.3 / 5
This is a very low satisfaction level and indicates systemic problems rather than isolated issues. The most frequently mentioned missing elements. The answers were consistent and repetitive across respondents:
Top problems cyclists identified:
- lack of continuous cycling lanes
- unsafe intersections
- conflicts with cars and parking vehicles
- unclear routes
- lack of protected crossings
- poor connectivity between neighborhoods
- absence of navigation adapted to cyclists
The key insight:
The problem is not only “missing bike lanes”. The real issue is the absence of a connected and predictable cycling network.
Cyclists do not need isolated paths, they need a system that protects them.
4. Safety as the central issue
The survey clearly showed that safety is the single biggest barrier to cycling in Belgrade.
Most participants identified:
- dangerous intersections
- sudden lane endings
- parked cars blocking paths
- aggressive traffic
- uncertainty about safe routes
When asked about importance of safe infrastructure: an overwhelming majority rated it as “very important”. This confirms a known phenomenon in urban mobility planning: Cities do not get more cyclists by convincing people to be brave. Cities get cyclists by making cycling feel normal and safe.
5. Support for cycling initiatives
The most striking result: 87% support stronger cycling initiatives in the city.
Even more important: 97% would participate or consider participating in pilot solutions.
This means citizens are not passive observers, they are ready to engage.
6. Digital tools, as an unexpected result
We also asked whether users would use a digital solution designed for safer cycling.
Result: 94% would use or consider using a cycling-support application.
This was the turning point for us. It indicated a gap: The city lacks infrastructure but it also lacks information infrastructure.
Cyclists currently rely on:
- guesswork
- experience
- trial-and-error
- and sometimes risk
7. What we learned
The survey revealed three critical insights: the demand exists, people already want to cycle. Safety is the main barrier. Not weather. Not distance. Not culture.
Safety perception.
There is no guidance system. Cyclists don’t know:
- which streets are safer
- where conflicts happen
- which crossings to avoid
- which routes are comfortable
Belgrade lacks a navigation and knowledge layer for cyclists.
8. Why Movita Ride was created
We realized something important: Infrastructure projects take years. But safety improvements can start immediately.
Movita Ride was therefore not conceived as just another cycling app. It was designed as a civic mobility tool.
Its purpose is to:
- provide safer routing
- collect real user feedback
- identify danger points
- support vulnerable users
- help cities understand real conditions
In short:
If cities need data to build infrastructure, cyclists need tools to survive until infrastructure is built. Movita Ride connects those two worlds.
9. Conclusion
The survey confirmed that Belgrade is not a “non-cycling city”. It is a potential cycling city held back by safety and planning gaps. Cyclists exist. Willingness exists. Support exists.
What is missing is: continuity, predictability and user-oriented planning.
Based on these findings, we decided to develop Movita Ride, a platform that helps cyclists navigate the city more safely today, while simultaneously helping cities plan safer infrastructure for tomorrow.
Because better mobility does not start with vehicles. It starts with people.
