On your bike!

Too much traffic, too many fumes, too many queues, and too much wasted fuel! A cursory look through the local newspapers soon reveals that these are just a few of the complaints that people have about getting around in Malta! Add to these the spiralling cost of fuel and it's easy to see that transport is one of the key issues that face us today on our small island.

Why is it then that an obvious low-cost solution, such as encouraging the use of bicycles, is not pursued? There are many examples of cities around the world that are as busy or even busier than Malta, where cycling has become a viable option for commuters.

While in the UK, I abandoned my car in favour of my bicycle for my daily journey to work. I shortened my travelling distance and the time that it took by half, while reducing my costs to almost zero. For most of the year, Malta's weather is ideal for cycling, so why do so few people use bikes?

One of the main reasons is perhaps safety. Our roads do not have the best surfaces; although significant improvements are being made. Motorists and cyclists have perhaps not yet learned the mutual respect necessary for both groups to use the roads safely! There are nevertheless environmental and healthy lifestyle imperatives that should be encouraging us to improve the situation.

It is at this point that I make my plea to the government and in particular to those in charge of our transport infrastructure and for our environmental planning functions. Please consider the introduction of safe cycle routes in Malta to form a network of strategic routes that will enable people to cycle safely and leave their cars at home sometimes.

These routes can be designated on parts of wide pavements and on the roads as appropriate. All that's needed is some paint, some signs and some publicity! It would also be good to set some national targets for reducing traffic, and perhaps provide some tax incentives for people to cycle to work.

There is no doubt that cycling can help reduce the environmental impact of motor cars on our island. It can also save us time and money, and help us improve our health. All that's needed is a little encouragement to start pedalling!

Mr Hudson is a consultant to the Institute of Health and Safety.