"Safely and Without Nonsense," Announces a New Initiative
Road safety concerns all participants of road traffic—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and runners alike.
"I sincerely believe that most people are good at heart. They try to live their everyday lives without endangering themselves or others. However, everyone can make a mistake at times, misjudge a situation, act hastily, fail to behave in the safest manner, and literally do something silly," says Juraj Pobjecký from Isadore.
In a series of four videos, the creators aim to highlight the common mistakes that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians make in Bratislava and its urban forests.
"Anyone can make a mistake, whether you're a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a driver. It would be wrong to point fingers at any of these groups. We're trying to inspire people humorously, encouraging everyone to keep their inner fool in check," adds Pobjecký.
Among the main protagonists, you can see Jaro Slávik, former professional cyclist Martin Velits, and Broňa Chrappa, the winner of RedBull400 and a representative in the Spartan Race.
"The 'Safely and Without Nonsense' campaign is a response to the everyday situations we all encounter on the roads. Our goal is to encourage all road users to behave responsibly and empathetically through humor. Participating in the campaign makes sense to us, as Škoda has long supported cycling both globally and locally. I'm personally pleased that well-known personalities and important partners, such as the Slovak brand Isadore, the organizers of L’Etape Slovakia, and state institutions, have joined the campaign, making it even more inspiring and effective," said Roman Rajtár, Head of Marketing and Product at Škoda Auto Slovakia.
"We often encounter situations where drivers stop 'just for a minute,' but even in that short time, they can restrict or endanger cyclists and pedestrians. Similarly, when cycling, it's essential to always consider the more vulnerable road users, ride cautiously where there is increased pedestrian traffic, and anticipate. Each of us can make a mistake and make a wrong decision, but we should strive to be as empathetic as possible towards others and behave in a way that doesn't endanger anyone," says Peter Borko from the Bratislava City Police.
"We are very excited about this initiative. Every day, we encounter minor conflicts on the roads, many of which could be avoided if the different groups respected each other more. Even during the preparation activities for L’Etape Slovakia, we emphasize mutual consideration across Slovakia, as this is key. During the event itself, we will frequently use the symbol of the 'little donkey' doing 'nonsense.' I believe this will open many eyes again, leading to more considerate behavior towards each other. After all, everyone must start with themselves, and everyone is essentially a messenger and ambassador of this initiative," expressed Jozef Pukalovič, Race Director of L’Etape Slovakia by Tour de France, his enthusiasm for the campaign's educational approach.
