No decent parking for cyclists

I totally agree with George Debono’s call for parking provisions for cyclists (August 13). The parking facilities provided for cyclists at Mater Dei Hospital are nothing short of a joke.

These are located in a deserted area close to the bypass, way out of sight and far from the main entrance of the hospital. I, like Mr Debono, was also chased away from the main entrance area and told not to leave my precious bike anywhere near where people can actually see it, as if its appearance is an eyesore.

On the other hand, several other buildings and areas of entertainment lack any form of bicycle park whatsoever, such as the airport, the Valletta and Vittoriosa waterfronts and Tigné Point to name a few.

Others, like the University, have useless racks meant for ruining front wheel spokes. The Gozo Channel ferry also lacks any form of facilities for bicycles, even though cyclists are charged an extra €1.16 for the bicycle. (Most ferry companies, both in Malta and abroad, do not charge a bicycle fee.) One is expected to leave the bike resting against the bulkhead, risking it falling and damaging cars close by. The same goes for the ferry terminals on both sides.

Recently we’ve heard that new roads are in the pipeline for next year. I hope that proper considerations for cyclists are taken in the planning phase. We’re sick of stupid excuses for cycle-lanes that are nothing more than just waste of paint.