Cyclists call for safer alternative routes in Marsaskala

The Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG) has called on the Marsaskala local council to increase safety on two alternatives routes, after the council removed the cycle track on the promenade over a year ago.

BAG lamented over alleged inaction on the part of the Marsaskala local council, saying that the only measure to be implemented since the track’s removal was the installment of “Share the road” signs.

“These offer little real protection to older children forced to use the road,” BAG said in a statement, calling on the local council to make the alternative routes on Triq is-Salini and Triq il-Qalet safe enough for a 12-year-old to cycle.

The Marsaskala local council has recently put up signs on the promenade banning anyone 12-years-old or older from cycling on the footpath.

The group also urged the Marsaskala mayor to abide by the Valletta Declaration on Road Safety, signed this year by Malta during its presidency of the EU Council, which states that transport ministers will “engage with relevant stakeholders, as part of urban mobility planning, on the possibility of expanding and integrating reduced speed limits, such as 30 km/h, into high-risk areas, in particular areas where people work, cycle and play.”

BAG argued that with the removal of the cycle track, Triq is-Salini and Triq il-Qalet are left as the only alternatives that qualify for this measure under the terms of the declaration.

The group had originally suggested a contraflow on Triq is-Salini in order to preserve residential parking while also making a safe flat route for cyclists. However, BAG said that no further communication was made regarding the proposal.

“While this reduced the credibility of those involved in the planning decisions linked to the removal of the bicycle track, the BAG have pencilled the alternative Marsaskala route in for one of its critical mass rides later this summer, so that they can experience this for themselves,” the group said.