Cliff Micallef's widow pleads: ‘Make roads safer for cyclists’

Joe Fenech

Jul 26th 2011, 07:37

Send a clear message out to irresponsible drivers.

Tarmacking necessary too.

James Wightman

Jul 26th 2011, 07:10

Advocacy group - Actually the motor cycle association has offered to have a cycling section that might be a way forward - they were the ones who pushed through the addition of motor cyclists and cyclists to bus lanes. They are very keen on ALL two wheelers rights. It would be interesting if it could link to the MCF as well.

If anyone else is interested in joining post a comment below?

James Wightman

Jul 26th 2011, 06:45

Drink Driving - In the UK they used to breathalyize people in traffic jams the next morning. Captive audience and it worked. Just a thought.

I can't help feeling a lot of hit and runs are hit and sober up's.

James Wightman

Jul 26th 2011, 06:42

Well done to KMS and MCF, enjoyed the ride and it was nice to see some new young faces on bikes. I commute 30Km round trip most days. Wish more people did, but right now (it was before) its quicker than using a bus.

Tend to agree there needs to be a bicycle advocacy group aimed at commuting cyclists. I'd be willing to be part of that although my cup runeth over at the moment! While I'd like that to be the MCF (cycling) as the local experts I think that needs to be independent, able to campaign, have flash/critical mass rides etc....
Importantly training. I only know of one club offering a nursery (Mosta). That means as most young people parent didn't learn how to ride properly (respectfully/safely) they have learn't vicariously either by watching what car do (and then exploiting what they cant) or via their peers, both of which can be pretty easy ways to get oneself killed.

Problem is I fear the MCF are unable to speak out as a big chunk of their funding comes from KMS and therefore the government, so I don't really blame them.

I;m seeing a lot more people on the roads these days, or maybe its just Tour de France fever?

G Falzon

Jul 25th 2011, 21:03

What do bumps and potholes and new or old tarmac have to do with the tragic death of Cliff Micallef???

The perpetrator of this dastardly hit-and-run was accused of running Cliff over while the former was driver under the influence of heavy alcohol. Punto e basta!

And, adding insult to injury, hit-and-run incidents seems to be on the increase lately! Why? What can be done? I think more policing on our roads should help.

Albert Bezzina

Jul 25th 2011, 19:42

A difference will occur after the authorities will start collecting traffic incident statistics which includes cyclists as a separate group and when road traffic incident data will include data on whether alcohol or mind altering drugs were detected in drivers or pedestrians and when aggressive and violent behaviour in any circumstance should be viewed as a behaviour trait not conducible to responsible driving. Ghada forsi!

Laurence grech

Jul 25th 2011, 15:27

NEW TARMAC = NO ACCIDENTS!

Mr Joe Mallia

Jul 25th 2011, 15:25

So much has been written and said by MPs after this incident but still there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Better legislation, law enforcement, road infrastructure and driving education are needed to protect the most vulnerable road users. The Law Courts should also shoulder the responsibility and give lessons to the kings of the road.

Laurence grech

Jul 25th 2011, 13:53

The state of the roads in malta is just out of the ordinary.. Too much bumbs and Holes.. We DONT KNOW WHAT TARMAC IS! Not to mention that certain roads are not PROPERLY LIT!!! start from the road that leads to IT telgha ta TAlla u ommu.. all these accidents and Deaths ARE DUE TO THE POOR STATE OF OUR ROADS!!!

G Debono

Jul 25th 2011, 13:42

- - - - - - - - To – comment below from A Cuschieri

Basically I agree – but……….

Re “………..we have to start by respecting the rules ourselves. Its useless to always blame authorities…….”

Sorry, I disagree ------- without enforcement the mayhem will continue. Most drivers are well behaved but it is those who don’t care that have to be controlled – for these we need enforcement. Bad drivers do not care a fig about Ghandi – all they want is the road to themselves….


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -To comment below from Mr Paul Caruana

RE Zero tolerance: In other countries it can take up to 5 years to get a full driving license - - during this time drivers ( as provisional license holders) absolutely no alcohol is allowed if driving.

RE “ ………However, making roads safe for cyclists is more complicated than that! Unfortunately, our roads are too narrow to allow for proper cycling lanes……..”

1) It is impossible to have cycling tracks or lanes on EVERY road. These are only needed on main roads which have heavy/fast traffic. Since it is impossible to have cycle tracks or lanes on every road , bicycles inevitably have to share the road with traffic where there is no cycle track or lane

2) The threat to cyclists' safety is motor drivers ( in 99% of cases all serious accidents in bicycle riders the cause is a motor vehicle) – so it is only by modifying driving behaviour that cycling can be made safer. It is a matter of attitude. Maltese drivers tend to be prejudiced against bicycles and endanger them because they think that bicycles have no right to use the road.

3) The attitude of police and courts is also against bicycles - in countries like Denmark, Holland, Switzerland etc any motorist who endangers a cyclist can get into very serious trouble. In Malta the police don;t care about cycling accidents and the motorist gets away with it...

3) Narrow roads are not incompatible with bicycles. There are many countries where urban where roads are narrow (eg Basle,Switzerland) and yet cars and bikes use the road together

Mr Mike Rotch

Jul 25th 2011, 13:38

Maybe it's time we have bicycle-mounted police on our roads and streets...increasing their mobility, range and hopefully serving as a catalyst with regard to drivers' respect towards cyclists...
.
...just a thought...

James Borg

Jul 25th 2011, 12:28

I am afraid that not much is being done for us cyclists. I was going to be hit twice in our locality in Tarxien as there aren't any safe roads for us, we always going to be hit by some reckless driver as there aren't any safe passages for us. Something should be done as this will help travelling over our island a lot.

Mr R ferriggi

Jul 25th 2011, 12:24

i am a motorcyclist not a cyclist.

motorcycling in malta is HORRENDOUS.

cycling in malta is scarier in many ways.

the roads are no go zones because of car drivers, bad roads.

the WHOLE ROAD SYSTEM IS IN NEED OF A RETHINK.

why not start with the new roads around mellieha and xemxija and marfa/armier?? this can become a haven for cyclists.

Gianfrancesco Buttigieg

Jul 25th 2011, 12:18

A message to cyclists, the Malta Cycling Federation and other groups:

I think cycling in Malta is geared far too much at a "competitive sport" audience not a general public audience - members of the general public who would like to cycle to cover short (or even longer) distances which might be easily done by bike rather than car are left out (they might be scared to because they never did it and don't know what to look out for, etc) - and this is a shame.

Malta REALLY needs a well-organised bike advocacy group which can provide "traffic training" not only to seasoned cyclists but especially to the general public who want to take up safe cycling and be aware of dangers and behaviour - as well as interact with Transport Malta on what the actual needs and dangers are, educate motorists on what to watch out for, etc

You've done a lot for competitive cycling, but I think it is just as important (perhaps more!) to cater for commuting cyclists or people who might want to try but are scared to because they lack training. Just normal, "daily" cyclists for whom cycling is a means of transport rather than simply a competitive sport.

Thanks.

(If I'm not mistaken there are even EU funds for this sort of thing - EU Structural and Cohesion Funds - which weren't being spent by the government)

Saviour Aquilina

Jul 25th 2011, 11:48

I have emails from Ministers/ Perit G.Pullicino and Ms.D.Christina where they say that our roads are safe for cyclists. Those who go on the road Cyclist when if they are right.

Christina Pace

Jul 25th 2011, 11:42

THEY ARE TOO NARROW. If one is to use the same lane to go in both directions, who should be the one to swerve into traffic to allow the other to pass. They do not allow for 2 cyclists. Barely one.

THEY ARE INCOMPLETE. Case in point Burmarrad. Cycle lane on left side going down, none on the opposite side. 200m cycle lane interrubted by 100m of kurb, then another 300m of cycle lane which disappears at ghajn rihana, to reappear following bus stop. Obstacles on the way: storm drains, degree of danger: high, possible damage: front wheel and handle bar.

SHOULD THIS INDICATE THAT THE TAX REBATE SHOULD BE LIFTED AND THE MONEY USED TO GIVE CYCLIST PROPER CYCLE LANES.

Christina Pace

Jul 25th 2011, 11:35

I cycle regularly in the northern part of Malta and these so-called cycle lanes are about as useless as a ball and chain for various reasons.

THEY ARE IN THEIR MAJORITY ILLEGAL. Yes they are. Have a look on the highway code and you will find that cyclist are to keep to the same side as traffic travelling in the same direction. and where you do find these lanes they are only on one side which means if a cyclist were to use these lanes when going in the opposite direction, they will most likely no be eligeable to compensation were they to be hit.

THEY ARE TOO NARROW.

Alfred Vassallo

Jul 25th 2011, 11:08

The Police Autorities, from the Commissioner of police to the lowest grade in the force are not only duty bound to do their utmost but are also morally responsible to see that our roads are as much as possible safe from whomsover abuses them for any reason at all. The police authorities should do well to remember that it could be someone from their own families who could be at the receiving end of any
accident which could have been avoided if proper presence of the Police are seen at our roads.

Dunstan Camilleri

Jul 25th 2011, 10:58

Me and Cliff we go back a long time ago we used to play in the area which we grew up next to his fathers residence thoes day our roads were safe enough for us children to roam and play football in the middle of the street.He was allways a keen cyclist as we used to race our byicles (chopper) down Wignacourt Street B'kara. Cliff you are still in my memories and a sometimes you make me smile when I recall the mischief that we used to do.
You are still in my thoughts and prayers .

Mr Pawlu Agius

Jul 25th 2011, 10:45

From my cycling experience, some improvements to the roads include:
- Pruning of overgrown trees, to avoid hands being scratched by branches or having to go to the middle of the road to avoid them. Once pruned, road must be left clean without any branches scattered around (to avoid flat tyres). Examples on the road to Qormi from Turkish cemetery, tal-Barrani road.
- Where there are drain holes, should have their grid cover level with the road and not ending each time though a bump (ideal for splitting the shaft of the rear tyre). Examples Valletta Rd, Mosta towards Lia.
- Whenever a warden is called because of car accidents, should carry a broom with him to clean from possible broken glass or other car parts.
- Bumps made intentionally, eg those made by farmers to collect rain water, should be made illegal. Examples: after traffic lights in Tal-Barrani road towards Snt.Lucia, the road exiting M’Xlokk before traffic lights.

Saviour Sam Agius

Jul 25th 2011, 10:30

There is absolutely no will to fix and revamp the pseudo-cycle lanes which were painted seemingly as an insult to cyclists. It seems they're only being used to attract more funding from the European Union.

Whenever letters on the newspapers were written to criticise these cycle lanes and the lack of any other initiatives which should be taken to make roads safer for cyclists and everyone else, TM or their previous counterparts were always ready to shoot back with senseless statements to the effect of the cycle lanes are being planned according to European Union guidelines, whatever they might be. The guidelines' aim seems to be to kill as many cyclists as it is possible.

Salvu

Mr Joseph Grungo

Jul 25th 2011, 10:00

The answer is quite simple ZERO TOLERANCE. Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is simply unacceptable. Sadly however, it seems to happen on a regular basis, often with tragic consequences. It is therefore about time that the government acknowledge how big this problem has become and remedy the situation. For a start, more police should be out on the streets to catch offenders. This should act as a deterrent. Cases for 'driving while under the influence of drink or drugs' should be fast tracked through the court system. Those that are found guilty should be handed stiffer sentences. The attached link lists penalties and custodial sentences for drink driving in the UK. I believe that in other countries, sentences are even harsher and rightly so too !! Harsher sentences should also act as a deterrent.


http://www.drinkdriving.org/drink_driving_laws.php

Mr R.E. Saliba

Jul 25th 2011, 09:54

Roads should be made safer for EVERYONE, not only cyclists.
And the system should clamp down on HIT and RUN.

As it is now, if the driver presents himself to the police within a few hours, the 'run' aspect is completely disregarded by the courts. As if those few hours are not enough to fabricate a story and drink enough fluid to lower blood alcohol level.

M. Grech

Jul 25th 2011, 09:47

This is not a question of making the roads safer, because this is sometimes impossible in narrow stretches. This is a question of our road behaviour / culture. This is a problem with our lack of discipline while on the road and this applies equally to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and even horse riders! The underlying psychology of all this is complicated, so I won't go into that, but if one is honest enough with oneself the roots of the problem can be identified.

Mr Lawrence Fenech

Jul 25th 2011, 09:45

Remembering a good old friend Cliff. Regards to all the family.

Mr Kevin J Vella

Jul 25th 2011, 09:18

Clifford was the kindest and noblest people I have ever met. I have fond memories of him at school. I add my voice to his wife's campaign at urging the government to give some sense to this terrible and wicked accident by making roads safer for those who love cycling. Let us at least award the final merit to a wonderful husband, father and friend.

Mr Jeffrey Mallia

Jul 25th 2011, 09:13

I absolutely agrre 100% ...........but remember we are living in cockoo land and simply nobody in administration is gonna bother.....

Klaus Pedersen

Jul 25th 2011, 09:05

With nearly every new road that is built, an opportunity is missed to make it bicycle friendly. When, once in a blue moon, a bicycle path is included, this is constantly intersected by paths to allow cars to cross the bicycle path more smoothly (see for example Hal Far road). That is of course cracy. There should be ramps for the cars to mount the bicycle path, forcing them to slow down before crossing the bicycle path and side walk. Meanwhile, a cyclist coming down hill will be sent flying by these treacherous bumbs.

The ministry responsible should consult with Malta Cycling Federation when planning road works. In many cases, it is not a question of spending more money, but simply a question of better planning.

Claire Busuttil

Jul 25th 2011, 08:48

Just make road safer....not only for cyclists....

Mr Gordon Camenzuli

Jul 25th 2011, 08:36

All that's needed is road checks between 3am and 7am on the coast road and other roads leading away from Paceville.. and what a hell of revenue that could be even at the ridiculous 1,200 Euro fine. If stopping each and every suspicious car is too costly then raise the fines by 10x! No one would dare to drink and drive.

P.S. Coast road is a mecca for cyclists and triathletes on early mornings.. that's one of the very few places on the island where our national athletes - some representing Malta - can train.

Mr Paul Caruana

Jul 25th 2011, 07:57

Absolutely....zero tolerance for drink driving.

However, making roads safe for cyclists is more complicated than that! Unfortunately, our roads are too narrow to allow for proper cycling lanes which are completely separate from the road.

If we were a rich country with unlimited funds, one could suggest constructing a massive subsurface road system, such that most motorized traffic could be banished underground, leaving us with plenty of open spaces for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists above ground - but that is just wishful thinking.

Mr Michael Camileri

Jul 25th 2011, 07:46

I totally agree, the Drink Driving mentality is so free flowing and is normal in Malta.... the police actually warn drivers when they will be stopping them... prompting them to stop drink driving temporarily (i.e. Christmas).

Having live in the UK for most of my life, coming back to Malta to live...it feels very wrong to get into a car when you know the driver has been drinking. But to those soaked up in this bizzare culture, do not bat an eyelid.

It has to stop! There is no excuse for drink driving, there is no excuse the for polices lack of proactive policing to deter this ugly habit.

I hardly see the police on the roads or walking around (in the evening of course)

Mr Michael Camileri

Jul 25th 2011, 07:46

I totally agree, the Drink Driving mentality is so free flowing and is normal in Malta.... the police actually warn drivers when they will be stopping them... prompting them to stop drink driving temporarily (i.e. Christmas).

Having live in the UK for most of my life, coming back to Malta to live...it feels very wrong to get into a car when you know the driver has been drinking. But to those soaked up in this bizzare culture, do not bat an eyelid.

It has to stop! There is no excuse for drink driving, there is no excuse the for polices lack of proactive policing to deter this ugly habit.

I hardly see the police on the roads or walking around (in the evening of course)