Privileged cyclists (1)

George Debono (October 15) is insisting that all cyclists should be privileged. To him, age, capability, responsibility, etc., have no meaning whatsoever.

The fact that a person is a cyclist would give him the extra privilege of becoming the king of the road. You have it all wrong, Mr Debono. Road users must obey laws intended to safeguard life and limb of all users. Even pedestrians have responsibilities.

No pedestrian should cross the road without ensuring that it is safe to do so.

He should not walk on the carriageway when there is a suitable pavement. Pelican crossings are there for safety and no one should cross to the other side a few metres away from one just to avoid a short walk.

Regarding cyclists, these do not want any controls. What are they contributing towards road building and maintenance? What about identification? What about insurance?

What about safety features? In the countries he mentioned, which is irrelevant to the size of Malta, cyclists cannot use highways and arterial roads.

They cannot pass through tunnels. With reference to the onus of responsibility the legal maxim is clear, one must provide proof of guilt. Prejudice and assumption have no place in judicial systems. Age and size are not adequate proof. When using the road, all wise and capable users must assess the situation and avoid taking risks. The smaller you are, the more care is required.

How many bicycles have rear-view mirrors? How many indicate their intentions. Many drivers do not use indicators but cyclists do not use their hands.

Can Dr Debono be more specific in his wishes? Does he want that all traffic should stop whenever there is a cyclist on the road? Or would he prefer that each car is preceded by a person waving a red flag; after all this was the custom some 100 years ago.

What is the point of having cycle lanes when these are not made use of?

Finally, he has not passed any comment on the fact that only 2000 misguided persons signed the biased petition.

I end by thanking Dr Debono for waking me up from my hibernation. It is a pity that winter is coming; usually I wake up only in summer.