Is cycling becoming the alternative road menace?

Being a road-tax paying (car and motorcycle) citizen, I wish to comment on the cycling menace invading our roads.

Cyclists, who invariably argue that Maltese roads should be made safer for bicycles, albeit narrower by introducing bicycle lanes, constantly break the law themselves disregarding road safety of other motorists and pedestrians alike. Cycling without a light (yes in broad daylight – bikers do it) and wearing attire which is hardly distinguishable from the colour of the surroundings, ride in traffic lanes of busy roads expecting and demanding better respect from motorists. They ride in twos, often side by side, at times even having a chat, or in drones, creating a selfish safety zone (for no one expect themselves). They ride freely with no front and rear lights, indicators or wardens to watch out for.

These are supposedly tax-paying citizens, who under the guise of sport or eco-friendly citizens, do not pay road tax, insurance and undergo no driving test. Join a cycling club and you are guaranteed a good ride in the weekend (weather permitting).

Racing or training apart, then there is the bicycle with a motor. The increasing abuse, using a motorised version of a bicycle, is permissible to young, immigrant or the non-sporting type as may be seen on our major roads. You have the added advantage of speed, far less effort, no insurance and tax and a very economical ride. You don’t have to wear a helmet and have hassle-free driving. You can ride on a pavement, providing it is flat; listen to your iPod, oblivious of your surroundings, even speak on a mobile. It’s a shame that the government hasn’t clamped down the same way on this practice as it did when battery-driven scooters where the rage.

While I continuing biking (motor) and paying hefty insurance fees and road tax, these saints of this energy-saving era continue to laugh behind our backs, and even stick their middle finger at you, if you don’t give way to them. Dream on.