Cyclists want better road safety rules

R. Zammit

Aug 12th 2009, 08:01

We can argue for ever…only in vain. Let’s get to the route of the problem. Like the rest of our ill-mannered attitudes - not just on the road but anywhere else – this is a culture problem very similar, although not as bad maybe, to other Mediterranean cultures. We simply lack moral education! We have achieved so much academically through the years, but it seems at the cost of basic and ethical education. We can only get in line by instilling good qualities in our next generations - lets start at home, schools, etc. Maybe we shall get there..one day!

James Craig Wightman

Aug 12th 2009, 07:29

@ Chris Finch, I'm a cyclist and a motor cyclist, if cars actually lined up in a straight line (you have to see it from a bikers eye view that you don't actually do that believe me) we would actually have to swerve around you. In fact in most cases much of the 'swerving' is done when traffic is stopped. Your not going anywhere, now are you guys just upset that we are going somewhere and your not? If you drive a car you get the weather protection, the CD the aircon etc... all the little luxuries, but you also get the jams. Your choice, you made yours I made mine. Heres a news flash other people in cars slow you down. A bicycle is one less car in your traffic jam hell and one more parking space for you to find, be greatful for that. Re. cycle lanes and travelling at top speed, well yes, the difference is cyclists can AND stay within the speed limit. The lanes are so poor they are often unridable at any speed. In reality cyclists are wheeled pedestrians, are pedestrians next on the list to be pushed off the roads?

Malcolm Fenech

Aug 11th 2009, 20:35

@L Bonnici

The Highway Code can be viewed on the ADT website.

Here's the link:

http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/archive/HighwaycodeEng/HCfrombutton.asp?menu=smnu3

Ludwig Flask

Aug 11th 2009, 20:23

@ George Debono: "Yes cyclists do flit around - as they do in Holland or Denmark. These guys are nimble and in superb control of their machines - they have NEVER NEVER killed anybody" good point! same applies to Germany and China!

George Debono

Aug 11th 2009, 18:51

Small addition to my other comment -

I drive a car too but I am not impatient with other road users.

G

George Debono

Aug 11th 2009, 18:50

Golly !

The cyclist haters were quick off the mark!

Pity I wasn't around to comment.

For Christ's sake - a cyclist has just been killed and here are all the moaning motorists going on about cyclists. (and it was the second hit-and-run in 10 days!!)

Yes cyclists do flit around - as they do in Holland or Denmark. These guys are nimble and in superb control of their machines - they have NEVER NEVER killed anybody -

yet people are killed maimed or injured by cars with sickening regularity.......

Please stop all these disagreeable comments about such a sociable and environment-friendly mode of transport.



G

L Bonnici

Aug 11th 2009, 18:48

I agree perfectly with Etienne Bonello.... There are many cyclists who follow the rules, and unfortunately few who don't... Those who don't shed a negative light on all the others. As a cyclist myself I always try to obey the rules and be as safe as possible. However, it's not always easy to be safe and follow the rules at the same time. Sometimes you have to break a couple of road safety rules not to risk life and limb.

As regards the highway code ... I still haven't managed to find the code for the Maltese roads! Does any one know from where to get a copy of it? UK highway code is accessible at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm but I'm not sure it applies for Maltese roads. I sure hope everyone spends some time to read through it! There are many things (esp re cyclists) that people think are "the law" which in fact are NOT!!

Ludwig Flask

Aug 11th 2009, 18:37

Education is the only solution!

Nigel Lawrence

Aug 11th 2009, 14:50

1:- If cyclists had better cycle lanes, motorists would use them to overtake (on the wrong side) slower moving cars. Problem NOT solved.

2:- I see MANY cyclists completely ignoring NO ENTRY signs, cycling on the wrong side of the road, ignoring red traffic lights--- Problem NOT solved.

Motorists are as much to blame as the cyclists for their mutual dislike of each other.

P James

Aug 11th 2009, 12:23

Quote >>Cyclists want better road safety rules

Joseph E Briffa

Aug 11th 2009, 12:19

@ Chris Finch...I am sorry but you don't seem to be living in Malta. Here there is no respect by most motor drivers for cyclists and motor cyclists. there is also no respect by drivers of heavy vehicles for motor car drivers. The principle most drivers adopt is MIGHT is RIGHT, the law of the jungle. This tendency to give vent to basic human instincts is a resilt of the state of ignorance of the majority of the drivers, particularly MALE drivers who feel they are the kings of the road - and here I point my finger at drivers of heavy vehicles and SUVs. As cyclists and motor-cyclists are particularly vulnerable, they should be given a wide berth when being overtaken - I believe the law lays down a distance of at least 2 metres; but how many drivers do this? The biggest culprits are the stupid ignorant MALE chauvinist pigs.

Joe Mallia

Aug 11th 2009, 11:18

The main concern for cyclists is road safety which can be enhanced through the following:
• Improved road infrastructure for safer cycling
• Better legislation and traffic regulations including harsher penalties in order to protect cyclists who are the most vulnerable road users.
• Education and promotion of road safety and traffic rules
• Law and traffic rules enforcement.

I am sure that the MCF is more that willing to discuss the above issues with the entities and authorities concerned in order to promote safer cycling.

Paul Smith

Aug 11th 2009, 10:32

Anyone wishing to cycle in Malta must have a death wish, Bad roads, some of the worst driving i have ever seen in my life, complete disregard for speed limits, Are there any?
Very little police presence on the roads - it's far to late to change All the wrongs on Maltese roads and if you enjoy cylcing take a cycling holiday abroad where life is valued

Etienne Bonello

Aug 11th 2009, 10:19

There are cyclists and there are cyclists, There are motorists and there are motorists. As a cyclist I do agree with both of you. If we are seeking for respect on the roads we should at least follow the rules of the road. Most of us of us do and some don't. Not all motorists are careless drivers. I am a motorist myself perhaps with an extra eye for cyclists and runners. Unfortunately however if an accident happens we are the ones to get injured. There are other hazards on the road than motorists.... bad road conditions, glass which I wonder where it comes from. wrongly placed gutters, the list goes on and on. What would you say if whilst driving someone throws a glass bottle or a piece of wood in your direction.. These are realities that we face every day on the road. This is the respect that we seek. that we ride without risking too much our lives. The rules of the road should be the same for everyone to follow..

Chris Finch

Aug 11th 2009, 10:12

What is exactly wrong with the cycle paths that are already in existence? Is it because the cyclists cannot travel at their top speed? Well neither can car users.

Cyclists want motorists to show them more respect, well as a motorist, I want cyclists to show other road users more respect. Don't ride 2 or 3 abreast holding up traffic on the roads just because you want to chat, don't ignore traffic lights and don't swerve in and out of slower moving traffic. Do this and motorists might just respect you more.

Sergio Zammit

Aug 11th 2009, 10:03

Yes it is true that also cyclists must be considerate of motorists. As a keen cyclist myself, I am very careful when cycling in busy roads to ensure safety for myself and motorists alike. Cyclists should follow the rules of the road, just like any other road vehicle. They must stop at red lights and indicate with their hands if they are going to turn, such as in a roundabout, so as not to surprise motorists with sudden movements.

Christopher Pollard

Aug 11th 2009, 09:41

Mr Aquilina was quicker off the mark - I was going to say much the same. The lights at Qawra/Kennedy Grove don't seem to exist for cyclists. Also it would make driving more straightforward if cyclists didn't cycle two or more abreast thereby holding up the traffic. Consideration works both ways.

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

Aug 11th 2009, 09:17

Whilst I do respect cyclists and give way whenever possible, some cyclists need to keep in mind that as road users they are also bound by rulsof the road.

Last week, I came across a groups of cyclists who whizzed past cars on regional road, close to the Kappara roundabout, changing lanes haphazardly. The cyclists proceeded to Gzira via Sliema road overtaking cars from both the inside and the outside, forcing motorists to slam the brakes and say a few bad words. They subsequently crossed Rue D'Argens when the lights had already turned red. This caught other drivers by surprise. Sounds of screeching tyres ensued.

I also notice many times that cyclists do not observe indicators, and keep on cycling past. This is rather dangerous.