I am sure we all realise certain differences between our country and our European counterparts. We all go abroad and definitely notice the level of respect other EU countries have for the average road cyclist. The terrible incident that occurred recently leading to the death of an avid cyclist is a dark reminder of certain issues that need to be dealt with. It is also unfortunate that an unfortunate event has to be the catalyst for spurring change.

While it is easier for cyclists to gain more respect abroad as they have a much greater percentage of the population of the country that cycle, this should not serve as any excuse. One cannot fail to mention the great number of letters and the public outcry following this incident.

It is indeed fundamental that action is taken to make our roads safer for everyone, particularly cyclists. Many have pointed out that the general surface of the roads can be dangerous and cycle lanes end abruptly, with a generic notion that it may be regarded as a dangerous hobby on our roads.

Having said that, it is equally important to point out that it is not just the difficult conditions offered by our roads to cyclists. I believe that the culture and mentality of some motorists is the bigger issue in particular. There is an urgent need for a change in the mentality of motorists, who generally disrespect cyclists and may even regard them as second class road users, when it should be the exact opposite.

There seems to be a lack of respect and understanding for cyclists, and this can only be changed by educating. We must start educating all motorists, perhaps even at driving licence test level, of the dangers posed to cyclists on the road, and ways and means of putting this respect into practical use.

We need to get together and put together a structured plan to make roads a safer place, involving the authorities, but these should initially listen carefully to users of this type of transportation. We must ensure that at least some areas are made favourable to maintaining a healthy lifestyle or hobby without excessive risks. This could possibly also include passing new legislation to protect joggers, runners and cyclists.

We have also seen how badly designed bicycle lanes are more dangerous than none at all. A friend of mine who happens to cycle every morning informed me that many bike lanes around the island were not maintained that well, with rubble, shards of glass and the occasional lump of concrete left behind from some ready mix truck.

However, the bleak reality is that not all our roads can have integrated bicycle lanes.

It is simply and physically impossible. There are inevitable physical constraints on our roads.

This means that we must upgrade and maintain these lanes where they exist, but where it is impossible for them to be introduced, and these cyclists need to mix and mingle with traffic, it is our mentality and attitude towards them that needs to change. Motorists need to be conditioned to respect cyclists to make these users feel at ease and protected on the road. Cycle lanes are not necessarily the answer to the problem and will remain a bit of an awkward phrase for car drivers in the limited space on our roads.

On the other hand, we have seen the Swedish presidency initiative to promote the green agenda, donating bikes to all EU embassies and high commissions. We are told how when covering short distances it is easy for us to contribute to the environment issue by using a bike, and that in a city cycling has to be part of the transport system. Now if we had to apply this principle to our country we could potentially take a ride to anywhere.

This does not have to be the case, but with improved measures, education and mutual respect, we can create spaces in which we all feel comfortable whether you are a jogger, a motorist or a cyclist.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

www.davidcasa.eu