Bicycle lanes

I Was recently listening to a radio discussion on alternative transport. I was most surprised when a comparison was made with foreign countries. It is a fact that the Maltese want to use their car to go anywhere. Changing this attitude will not be easy.

However, the bicycle will always be the best alternative. The new roads do not have bicycle lanes. It is not safe to cycle on our roads, but to build new roads with unused wide pavements does not make sense in a country promoting environmental awareness. Designating bicycle lanes on the next roads to be rebuilt will still not be enough, but a way should be found to mark these lanes out on existing roads.

I cycle to most places without much effort and I find that I arrive at my destination faster than it would take me in a car, but I don't feel safe. I am sure that once a network of bicycle lanes is installed, more people will start using these facilities and everyone will benefit.

The promenades are proof of this: many more people are going out for walks after they were made more pleasant. There is nowhere to park bicycles in shopping areas. A few years ago my bike was stolen just outside the shop I was in. This would not encourage anyone to go shopping with a bicycle without having a safe place to leave it and secure it.