Empowering Walking Groups in Koprivnica (Croatia)

Apr 13, 2025Croatia, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

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Empowering post-lockdown Walking Groups in Koprivnica (Croatia)

In the lockdown period of 2020, Ms Marina Tomac Rojčević, who is a professional dance instructor, fitness trainer and owner of the local fitness centre Animador, has turned to organising small groups of walkers tailored to different needs and abilities of members. The initiative Is called ‘Grupa za hodanje Koprivnica’ which translates to ‘Group of walkers Koprivnica’.

In July 2020 Ms Tomac Rojčević initiated three weekly walks: an 8km fast pace urban walking group, a shorter urban route with mobility exercises for beginners and mobility impaired, and a longer out-of-town weekend leisurely route. She has focused on outdoor exercise and lockdown mobility training, but also on discovery of secret urban nooks in a small town of Koprivnica. Koprivnica is town of approximately 30 000 residents in the north of Croatia with a diverse population and a lot of senior citizens.

The initiative has reached several dozen walkers, though in the pandemic period individual tours were limited to 12 people due to epidemiological restrictions. The benefits are particularly pronounced for senior citizens, women and people with mobility impairments. Senior citizens often require additional motivation and understanding to be mobile, as do people with mobility impairments. Women express discomfort at solitary walks, especially in dark winter months, and enjoy the empowerment from group participation and professional guidance.