Robert Medvedec “Grad iz dječje perspektive: promet, mobilnost i međugeneracijska solidarnost”

“The City from a Child’s Perspective: Traffic, Mobility and Intergenerational Solidarity” is the title of a lecture that Robert Medvedec will give on 24 September 2026 at 6 p.m. at the University Library in Pula. The lecture, held as part of the Green Library project, is organized by the Istrian Library Association, the University Library of Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, and the City of Pula.

Today’s cities are largely shaped around the needs of car traffic, while the ability to move around the city independently is a key issue of autonomy, accessibility, social connectedness and quality of life. But how is such a city experienced by those who cannot or do not want to drive a car – children, young people and a large proportion of older citizens?

The lecture will explore the perspective of children and young people, who are often dependent on adults within the transport system, as well as that of older citizens, whose mobility becomes increasingly limited over time and can, for both groups, represent a significant everyday safety risk.

Through the question of who public space in today’s city belongs to, the lecture will examine how transport and urban planning can either increase or reduce inequalities between generations. Particular emphasis will be placed on how safe walking, cycling and high-quality public transport contribute to a sense of equality and independence, richer social lives and better mental health, as well as on how we can shape cities to enable people of all ages to move freely and with dignity.

Robert Medvedec is a computer science professional, an urban planning student, president of the Sindikat biciklista (Cyclists’ Union) association, and a successful long-distance runner and member of Atletski klub Kvarner. He works on sustainable urban mobility, the development of cycling infrastructure and the safety of all road users. His particular interests include designing people-centred cities, the equitable distribution of public space, and the needs of children and other vulnerable groups in traffic. He takes part in educational and advocacy projects aimed at creating safer, healthier and more pleasant cities for all generations.

The programme is held in Croatian.