AD calls for balanced solution over St Julians promenade bicycles

A proposal made by the St Julians local council to ban bicycles on the promenade has been condemned by Alternattiva Demokratika, which described it as “insensitive”.

“We believe promenades should be both accessible to cyclists and safe for pedestrians, especially toddlers and the elderly. A balance can be struck between safeguarding pedestrians’ safety and cyclists’ right without peril,” party chairman Michael Briguglio said on Tuesday.

The green party was “disappointed” at a draft by-law drawn up and approved by the St Julians local council in October that plans to ban all adult cyclists from the promenade.

The proposed by-law, which was submitted to the Local Government Department, would allow only children and people with a disability to use their bicycles on the promenade.

The council came up with the proposal after receiving a number of complaints from residents about cyclists whizzing by dangerously.

But AD sports spokesman Dirk Urpani pointed out it would only force cyclists to use the road “which is notorious for reckless driving and dense traffic”.

The proposal was also “illogical” because it went against the government’s campaign which promoted physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, to reduce stress and obesity.

Mr Briguglio suggested introducing clearly marked bicycle lanes “where practical” but allowing cyclists to use the promenade at a reduced speed while always giving precedence to pedestrians.

“One could also consider partial bans on cyclists using the promenade at certain peak times noted for heavy pedestrian traffic,” he said.

Mr Briguglio called for a review of the bicycle lanes so cyclists could use the road in safety and without sudden dead ends.

Also, drivers should be educated to co-exist safely and the roads should be maintained properly to avoid potholes, gravel, broken glass and other hazards, he said.