Cycle lanes explained

We thank Kevin Zammit for his contribution (50-Second Bike Lane, August 7) and would like to take the opportunity to give a general overview on the logistics pertaining to cycle lanes.

The Malta Transport Authority introduced cycle lanes as part of its ongoing work to promote a shift to alternate transport modes, meaning that cycle lanes are being introduced as an alternative to private car use. The introduction of these cycle lanes is part of the necessary supporting infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road since cyclists are considered to be a vulnerable road user. Other supporting infrastructure measures include a pilot project for the introduction of cycle racks at strategic locations across Malta to cater for the main historical and recreational catchment areas of the island.

The introduction of these cycle lanes, as with most projects, has posed challenges to the authority which included, among others, educating the public on the use of the cycling infrastructure, promoting a cultural change from the use of the motor vehicle to cycling and identifying stretches of road the width of which can accommodate a cycle lane according to standard specifications without adversely affecting the capacity of links and junctions. The challenges are being addressed through the featuring of articles/adverts/info spots on the media and interactive educational material for children.

It is pertinent to note that old roads such as the Coast Road were not built with cycle lanes in mind. Recent re-constructed roads such as Qlejja to Zebbiegh and Qlejja to Mtarfa Military Cemetery have cycle lanes built in on the pavement. The cycle lane along the Coast Road from the Ibrag area to St Paul's Bay covers about 2.5 kilometres of this whole stretch of road. Due to the road width restrictions along stretches of this road, it was not possible to have a completely continuous cycle lane.

Such is standard practice across all countries and where cycle lanes are not provided, cyclists are urged to proceed with caution until the next stretch resumes. The sections where the cycle lane was introduced have been carefully identified and designed so as not to reduce the number of lanes, retain the standard dimensions for a traffic lane and not disrupt the prevailing traffic restrictions pertaining to overtaking prohibitions along the entire stretch.

To conclude, motorists are reminded of their obligations and responsibilities towards vulnerable road users and of the importance to adhere to traffic rules and regulations as defined by the signage and the carriageway markings on the road at all times. On the other hand, cyclists are urged to make use of the cycle lanes provided and to wear the appropriate gear to ensure their safety and protection while cycling.