Campaign on two wheels
'Cyclists should feel safe on the roads'
Alternattiva Demokratika on Sunday joined cyclists from the Malta Cycling Federation for a symbolic trip through one of the major urban areas in Malta to mark European Mobility Week.
They wanted to raise awareness of the effects of climate change as part of a European-wide Stop Climate Change Campaign by European Green parties.
The cyclists rode from Floriana through Pieta, Msida and Gzira, along the Sliema front, to Balluta Bay in St Julians, streets which see some of the heaviest traffic.
The aim was also to convey the message that cyclists should feel safe on the roads and they have as much right to use the roads as any other vehicle.
Ralph Cassar, AD spokesman for energy, IT and industry spoke about the need to provide incentives for bicycle use in urban areas through concrete action such as the introduction of bike lanes in the major arteries and making it possible for cyclists to take bikes onto buses as happens in all European towns and cities. Lanes have already been introduced in some areas.
Mr Cassar said that mention of the reform in public transport by the Minister for Transport, Jesmond Mugliett, has so far been empty talk.
AD deputy chairman Mario Mallia said AD fully supported the Cycling Federation in its request to be exempt from the high fees being charged by the police for their assistance during cycling road races.