Power-assisted cycles covered by regulations issued in 2004
Pedal and low-powered cycles are governed by regulations issued in 2004 which provide, among other things, how the cycles and their drivers need to be registered, that cyclists have to wear a helmet, and that they must drive/pedal with the flow of traffic.
Two persons died recently in accidents involving motorised bicycles, one of them last Tuesday, leading many people to wonder whether regulations exist for such activities.
The Pedal and Low-Powered Cycles Regulations 2004 lay down that no one may ride a power assisted cycle, including a pedelec, on a public road unless it is registered with the Transport Authority.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and they must undergo a theory test to satisfy the Authority that they have 'some knowledge' of the Highway Code.
Power assisted cycle must feature a plate showing the name of the manufacturer, the nominal voltage in the case of an electric motor and the continuous rated output.
The power assisted cycle must also have an identification number stamped on the frame, an effective braking system, a bell or horn and front and rear lights.
Riders are required to wear a bicycle helmet and they cannot drive at night unless they wear reflective strips or a reflective vest.
The regulations say that no one may ride a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle along a promenade, in a pedestrian subway, in road tunnels or on footpaths.
Pedal cycles may be ridden, with prudence, on footpaths along bypasses, with a speed limit of not more than 6KM per hour and giving way to pedestrians. In any case, small pedal cycles may be ridden on footpaths and promenades by children
aged under 12 years.
When riding a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle on a road, a person has to keep to the nearside left of the road as possible in the direction of traffic except on the approach to an intersection.
Any person who rides any pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle on a road has to observe and abide by all traffic regulations.
The regulations say that it is an offence for more than one person to ride, or be
carried on, a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle unless the said vehicle is adapted to carry more than one person.
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James Wightman
Sep 23rd 2011, 05:54
There are some people who ride these vehicles responsibly, unfortunately we only tend to notice those who do not (true of any vehicle, even cars). From a sociological point of view, having agreed (via legislation) to their use on the road, the government is now faced with a thorny problem. Firstly these are an entry level form of transport for those who cannot afford a car, motorcycle lessons, running costs or cannot obtain a licence or perhaps insurance on say a car, for whatever reason. Secondly there are those who do ride these machines carefully, how do we compensate them? If these machines are banned, how do we stop and capture those already out there, from if not already, becoming blackmarket playthings. Secondly how to stop unlicenced riders from using the same logic and 'trading up' to driving a car, unlicenced. This is a real problem as we may well have a sub-culture of unlicenced and uninsured driving already, as seen earlier this year. Such a ban could we'll add to it. Clearly vehicle checks as inconvenient as they may seem, need to be across the board to protect all road users.
In a bizarre twist it may be an argument to retain the humble pedal cycle as an unlicenced and uninsured minimum/backstop. One can almost hear the judge asking if the accused couldn't afford a licence etc... (for whatever reason) for a car or motorised bicycle etc... why s/he didn't just simply ride a bicycle. Put simply I'd rather someone hit my car with a bicycle than with an uninsured car, I think thats any car drivers worst nightmare.
If we were to ban motorised bicycles, the government could possibly either offer compensation (because they were legal when they bought them) to those who bought them or as the donor bike is still viable, a grant for conversion to an e-bike. If you think about it the government could come out smelling of roses if it took the latter seriously.
Luke Formosa
Sep 22nd 2011, 22:42
I think they should allow anyone with a category B driving license (the normal one, for driving cars) to be exempt from the requirement of taking the theory test (again). Or is it already that way?
Secondly, I would love for Malta to allow electric bicycles of up to 1000 watts (that's the equivalent of just over 1 horsepower) to be driven on the road without insurance, identification number, or anything else. In most of Europe the limit is 250 watts, but then they don't have Malta's hills. The idea is to make it practical for people to buy such a bike and take that on short trips instead of taking their car. That way you'll solve traffic, parking and pollution problems all in one go.
And as for those insanely loud two stroke bikes (like the one in the picture), arm the police and wardens with cheap decibel meters (available for €25 or so). Anyone who's bike is caught making well over 80dB(A) should be handed a €25 fine on the spot. I'm sure the wardens will enjoy doing it, and we can enjoy the resulting peace and quiet...
It should be the owner's responsibility to fit an appropriate muffler to keep the sound levels reasonable. Either that, or change to a 4-stroke or electric motor.
G G Debono
Sep 22nd 2011, 11:59
At last a balanced comment from Mr Leone Ganado. (Yesterday, 20:23)
Electric bikes (E-bikes) are a totally different form of assisted bicycle. They should under no circumstances be put in the same category as petrol powered bicycles or confused with them. These are the perfect solution to ease travelling and commuting.
Electrically assisted bicycles are absolutely silent, they are totally incapable of high speeds , in fact one can pedal faster on the level than the electric motor will drive it.
And the experience on an electric bike basically remains that of riding a bicycle because the motor alone only provides only slight traction so one has to pedal just the same. In effect one can shave off about 15 - 25% of travelling time and arrive at one’s destination less hot and bothered from having to climb hills slowly in low gear. .
The main advantage of e-bikes is on uphills when the electric motor becomes noticeable when the bicycle starts to slow down and the motor cuts in and - as a e-bike user once aptly described it – “you feel the hand of God pushing you gently” - it creates a sensation the hill is not so steep (or that the bicycle is weightless) and the rider is not reduced to a crawl.
The sensation is similar that of swimming with flippers - one simply goes along with slightly less effort. The handling of E-bikes is not much different from a normal bike and they are barely distinguishable on the road or a cycle track (etc) from normal bikes - basically because they are really no faster.
The technology is still in its infancy – but there are one or two state-of-the art computerized versions which are quite remarkable.
The legislation suggested by bloggers for petrol driven bicycles should therefore not be enforced on e-bikes – these are totally different and it would be a shame if they were discouraged as they offer an excellent compromise for environment-friendly commuting by bicycle. I am now 75 years old. I still ride a "normal" bike. But I am now partly dependent on an e-bike for long journeys as my R knee is garbage and limits my range. I don’t know what I’d do without it as I use this instead of a car – and so do not pollute, or create any noise, and my carbon foot print is about 1/500 of that of a car.
As to these kids using petrol driven bikes – well we all used to do dangerous things when we were young - - - it is part of the growing process. So lets’s be a bit tolerant. After all, who didn't whizz down on normal unassisted bicycles downhill at huhe speeds in his/her young age? And now youngsters can sit behind the wheel of high performance cars – a far more lethal combination which is responsible for quite a number of deaths on our roads….
But, having said that, even though I am in favour of people travelling on two wheels, I find these machines thoroughly unhealthy as these youngsters are perfectly able to travel powered by their own muscles. It is also a shame when they become addicted to fossil fuel at a young age. So, yes, there should be controls on (converted) petrol driven bicycles - but E-bikes are in a totally different category and care should be taken not to discourage them as they offer a great potential for easy, environment-friendly commuting .
David Farrugia
Sep 22nd 2011, 10:30
These type of engine-based bicycles make very loud noise over 90 decibels. They are environmentally bad and hazardous to traffic. In Malta we have a lot of laws but scarcely enforced.
Mr M camilleri
Sep 22nd 2011, 10:23
Make VRT for Motorcycle many motorcycle have no brakes at all not only bicycle with engine but even big motorcycle such as 400cc and even bigger.silincer (striat pipes ect) coustime made bike ect..
E Lentini
Sep 22nd 2011, 12:30
Can anyone imagine a motorcycle with no brakes??????? You don't know what you are talking about.
James Wightman
Sep 23rd 2011, 06:36
No no... i get it. hey Mr Camilleri, its not like a car, all the pedals are not on the same side... the big friendly stopping pedal (usually in the middle) is on the other side of the bike..OwK? (Sorted)
Mr Matthew Grima
Sep 22nd 2011, 10:19
I've got one, and I do not get how others do not drive as the rest of the traffic does. It would be foolish not to really, if there's an accident, it's the rider that's likely to get hurt.
I only use it in my town to go out and buy small stuff to eliminate the use of my car for small errands like that.
John A. Gauci
Sep 22nd 2011, 09:56
Giving permission to these power assisted cycle was a silly thing to do !
We were encouraged to us bicycles to keep the air round us clearer.
Yet someone silly gave permission to these power assisted cycles ! Usually these cycles used a 'two-stroke cycle engine' which allows a lot of white smoke out of the exhaust pipe apart that it is very noisey.
The braking system is not good enough for the speed provided by the engine
In my opinion for the sake of a clearer atmosphere these permissions must be withdrawn to-day before to-morrow.
Mr C Camilleri
Sep 22nd 2011, 09:08
I had one of those things and sold it very soon after. Apart from the shameful amount of noise they make, they are very fragile to drive and as some people commented they retain their original braking system. It is hard to stop and once the engine is fit on them its not a bycicle anymore cause the chassis becomes heavy and difficult to start a momentum. I agree with mr lentini that a small engine motorbike for those aged 16 and over should come into effect rather that giving them a weaker and more fragile version of it just because it looke like a mountain bike !!! ONCE YOU ARE ON THE ROAD YOU NEED FULL KNOWLEDGE NOT JUST SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE ROAD. BETTER STILL YOU NEED MORE KNOWLEDGE THAN A CAR DRIVER CAUSE YOU ARE MUCH MORE AT RISK ON THAT MOTOR BIKE SKELETON !
Mr David Galea
Sep 22nd 2011, 08:57
The laws are in place which no one knows about them and probably not even the police.
I have never seen or heard that a police member stopped to check/inquire about licence, the dangerous driving, excessive noise polution and all the related points stated in the regulations that the powered bicycles should have.
Mark Galea
Sep 22nd 2011, 08:46
Some time ago I drove behind one of these "power-assisted cycles" AT 60 KM PER HOUR. I REPEAT, AT 60KM PER HOUR. I overtook him, and when I did so, he even increased his speed. When I met some traffic ahead, HE OVERTOOK ME on the LEFT HAND SIDE, with considerable risk due to the nature of the road. AND YOU KNOW WHERE HE DID IT? JUST IN FRONT OF THE POLICE STATION.
Can we start taking photos of these dangerous people and send them to the police?
Darby Allen
Sep 22nd 2011, 11:45
Do you really think that the police would take any notice of the photographs, Mark? We see them disregarding traffic laws often enough!
E Lentini
Sep 22nd 2011, 06:34
Instead of enticing people to use a motorbike for daily commutation on such a small island, both beneficial for better air quality and also traffic/parking, we encourage children or teens to go round on toys with an engine in this free for all traffic jungle. Once again Malta the land of sun sea and jokes. Well done.
Noel Mifsud
Sep 22nd 2011, 05:16
X regolamenti, fil waqt li jiddispjacini gahl daz zaghzugh, hemm minn minnhom fid dlam lanqas dawl ma jkollu jew xi led blue. Rajthom bil lejl xi 10 pm bla dawl just tisma l hoss u ghal;daqsexejn ma dhalts fuqu u iehor xi 6 am bil led blue. Nahseb il puluzija jew wardens li jkunu fuq ir rond ajamlu sew jekk jeihdulhom ir roti. Grazzi
David Vella
Sep 21st 2011, 22:48
'some knowledge' - speaks for itself.
Mr John Scicluna
Sep 21st 2011, 21:36
Most of these contraptions are DIY... just grab an old mountain bike a fit a motor onto it, it's no rocket science or feat of engineering, at least that's what I see on the roads... old bicycles converted into these so called power assisted cycles. If it's on the road, with an engine, however big it is, then it may be called a vehicle and any vehicle requires a licensed driver who follows the road regulations...
Mark Vassallo
Sep 21st 2011, 21:36
It would be interesting to find out how many of these powered bicycles have been registered with Transport Malta.
It would also be interesting to know how many riders have passed the test showing that they have 'some knowledge' of the Highway Code.
Is this the same theory test that motorists have to take, maybe with a lower pass mark to show that they only have 'some knowledge'.
Any answers Transport Malta?
Mr Robert Calafato
Sep 21st 2011, 21:22
Ha Ha Ha!
Just yesterday evening I was overtaken by one of these contraptions while I was doing 50 km/hr. !!!!
Are the authorities aware of the fact that most of these contraptions are home made and that most of them still retain the original bicycle brakes!!!
Insomma, only in Malta!!!
Charles Busuttil
Sep 21st 2011, 20:30
What about making it compulsory for these bikes to be insured, at least third party, like cars?
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Sep 21st 2011, 20:23
Further to my previous comment on the topic i would add
(i) minimum age for riding electric bikes is 14 years in the UK
(II)There is the European Union directive 2002/24/EC which for an e-bike to be so classified and therefore exempt from the usual vehicle regulations it must have a controller which limits speed to 25km/hr and a rated power of not more than 0.25 watt. In 20009 the EU issued a safety directive EN 15194 to ensure a product safety standard .
Subject to complying with these regulations and sufficient road training for riders e-bikes should be encouraged as their co2 emission is virtually zero and they provide an excellent and fun means of transport for short distances.
In China there are over 50 million of such bikes.
J. Vella
Sep 21st 2011, 19:48
Flokk li nghalmu it tfal taghna ikunu ftit attivi, wara xi gurnata wara il-pc nivvintaw ftit izjed ghass ghalihom
Lawrence Bellizzi
Sep 21st 2011, 20:31
dan mhux ghass, imma edukazzjoni ghalik u ghat tfal taghna, jekk t tfal jaqraw din wkoll tajjeb u taghmel hafna sens anke jekk mhux attivi imma jistaw ikunu formati.
Rachel Borg
Sep 21st 2011, 21:33
Agreed
Claire Busuttil
Sep 22nd 2011, 07:57
sewwa, u inzidu il konfuzjoni fit toroq......it tfal jistu jaghmlu hafna aktar attivitajiet fisici...
Paul A Vella
Sep 21st 2011, 19:42
So now we know that there are regulations for these cycles...does that make them safe enough to be above the laws of the road? I wonder if any of these cycles has ever been checked or even tested for their road compliance, They zip past creating enough noise that would make one think that some high powered motorbike or car with a faulty silencer just passed by, and then cars get pulled over for a custom silencer system, the dirvers of these bikes are more often than not helmet less, young lads who would be more at ease with some pedal powered vehicle. Proper regulations are of no use unless these are enforced..where are the boys in blue and the ones in green for that matter??
Mr R ferriggi
Sep 21st 2011, 19:31
we have a few boys going round at scary speeds on these motorised bicycles.
i ride a motorbike and i can honestly say that the way these are driven is conducive to accidents.
totally reckless.
and i doubt very much if these boys are 18!!
Mr Victor A
Sep 21st 2011, 19:19
a question to the authorities; how many fines there were issued to motorized bicycles since these regulation of 2004 after 7 years?
I think from zero to nil!
Mr Michel Ellul
Sep 21st 2011, 19:16
no comment ....http://johnpisani.net/kronaka/?p=8266
Jason Falzon
Sep 22nd 2011, 07:48
I read this article. I am obviously very saddened for his death but unless something is done (concretely ta not the usual maltese lip service to everything approaching legislation.
Unless a solution of either a total ban (as they are truly unnecessary!!) or minimum a system whereby they have to be registered, licensed and insured plus rigid tough policing is introduced, the time spent by these professionals on this case will be a total waste.
These bikes have become the current craze for boys (YES BOYS since most of them are under 16) and unless something concrete is done and on the double, more wasteful young deaths will follow, plus, am sure several broken families as it will not take long before some car driver will get involved in a fatal death in an attempt to avoid one of these bikes.
mark borg
Sep 21st 2011, 19:15
As usual a lot of regulations and bla bla and absolutely no enforcement . Typical of what our country has got to .The Zabbar and Marsasaca area is infested with these bikes,literally doing as they please. Please people comparing them to normal bikes save your breath and do not try insulting our intelligence any longer. If we had a serious police force, they should be procecuting who is installing them, as I am pretty sure that the same couple of garages are involved.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 21st 2011, 22:42
They are NOT against the law.
D Pace
Sep 22nd 2011, 00:38
i have to agree with you Mark, lack of enforcement is a real problem in Malta, the Police and the authorities namely Transport Malta have a lot to answer for here and should bear a lot of guilt but they don't, it would be to demanding for a Police officer to actually reprimand a motorist of any sort with a view to improving road safety simply because they don't practice safety themselves, how many Traffic cops where gloves whilst riding their motorbike here, almost none, don't they realise that in the event of an accident should they fall of their bike it is an automatic reaction to put out their hands, i don't quite fancy travelling down a dual carriageway at 40 mph on my bare hands so when i used to ride i wore leather gloves, and ruined a few to but my hands are still in one piece, wardens lol, they are just another sad story but at least its a few more people off the social.
Mr Enzo Cacia
Sep 21st 2011, 19:00
Children as young as twelve use these kind of bikes without insurance and a road driving licence. For them the use of a helmet is unheard of.
I have even seen children riding these bikes on pavements without any lights. What happens if one day a pedestrian is hit by one of these bikers. Who is going to be held responsible?
Since I use my bicycle, for cycling purposes only, it is not the first time that I have heard these kids that once an engine is fixed on these bikes it is easy for them to adjust its speed and the engine would then give a better performance. Although I am not very familiar with engines, attempts to increase the speed of these engines are being carried out even by the children themselves. I have never seen a police officer stopping these children from riding these bikes. Moreover how are they being monitored?
I think they should be called lethal bikes.
F. Azzopardi
Sep 21st 2011, 18:36
They are no different than other vehicle on the road. Make them register and insure their bikes like everybody else does + enforce the law...unless you want to do us all a favour and BAN THEM !
Mr Jo Camm
Sep 21st 2011, 18:33
Many od these regulations should also be applied to anyone riding a bicycile, including children. A child riding a bicycle once hit and injured a woman in her back, while she was walking on the pavement and all she got was a 'sorry' from the child. We see children driving bicycle at over 15 kph which is enough to injure anyone hit.
Mr Lawrence Fenech
Sep 21st 2011, 18:26
The most noisy thing that ever hit our roads. You should hear them at night.
Jason Falzon
Sep 21st 2011, 18:05
Oh come on. All these regulations are useless when any kid can have ANY bike fitted with a motor in an uncontrolled way. All these regulations are useless as the most important one is missing. They should have a licence and insurance even if low. As it is they just convert any bike an just whizz around flat out.
How many reading this article have had a close call with these new brand of road bullies, risking killing him simply because they just drive flat out crossing without indication, going wrong way, cross a junction flat out without stopping and so on? And what about the 6km and hour joke?
Get them to register insure these bikes and they are no different then anything else that goes on the road and can cause an accident. Then get those only good for ambushing people that are the wardens to police them. Same should apply for horses, to this day I cannot understand why they don't need a license and insurance.
Tony Borg
Sep 21st 2011, 18:38
During my Grand father's time Horses with carts had to have a license plate attached to the side of the cart. This was given for a price as well as a form of registration, from the local police station. Even cab drivers used to have a license against a fee and a badge with the number of that person stamped on it had to be worn on their lapel.
Modernisation has brought us to all this jungle and, when something bad happens, then we scramble to legalise all sort of stupidities.
Mr Albert Farrugia
Sep 21st 2011, 17:59
Ahem....ok...so we ban the use of e-bikes, or make their use difficult. Why dont we also ban normal bicycles then? There have been mortal accidents using these too. I do not recall anyone calling for the ban of bicycles when those tragedies happen. rather, the press was alight with how "arrogant" people who drive cars are when they come across cyclists.
Mr robert micallef
Sep 21st 2011, 18:34
because when the mortal accident happened it was the fault of the car driver. and we did not ban cars did we ? as you can see when bicycle hits car its the cyclist who suffers most or loses his life irrespective whos fault it is.
Vince Cachia
Sep 21st 2011, 17:33
I do not know who let these machines lose on our roads without a license and insurance cover. There used to exist 50cc pedal/motor cycles in the past which were properly licensed and insured. They had a number plate, proper lights and drum brakes. These modern ones are truly bycicles which should not have been fitted with a two stroke petrol engine ever!!!
Mr Peter Murray
Sep 21st 2011, 17:19
As is the case with a great many things here ,there are a myriad of regulations but very few are enforced -with even less enforcers
Tonio Agius
Sep 21st 2011, 17:05
Excuse meeeee but surely this is a joke... I travel to the Zabbar area on an almost daily basis and young men and even younger boys whizz around..... These bikes are not road tested and not equipped with adequate braking systems so please take note whoever is in charge and issue a blanket ban!
Victor Vella
Sep 21st 2011, 17:22
Hi Tonio.
I can vouch for what you wrote here, the kids even use the by pass whizzing around even after dark with no lights or helmets,Issa la jehel xi wiehed minnhom ma faccata ta xi truck nghidulu miskinn u nghamlulu quddiesa.
Mr Joseph Aquilina
Sep 21st 2011, 17:04
I saw 14 year old and younger driving this motorcycles and the problem is that they'll keep doing so because the POLICE do practically nothing!! Those are the POLICE we have here in Malta!!
Tony Borg
Sep 21st 2011, 18:46
Very true!! In the Birgu water front they hold races and the Police patrol car all look the other way as if nothing had happened!! If you cannot see them i am sure they could have heard them since some of them had their silencer cut off, so they may gain some more speed as well. And you can imagine the noise of a two stroke engine going at full blast in front of those Restaurants. Probably the Police patrol preferred to look at some beauties lazing in the Sun.
R. Gauci
Sep 21st 2011, 16:47
Il-Pulizija jafu b'dan kollu? Ghax naghmel garanzija li 9 min kull 10 jghidulek li ma jafu xejn li huma legislati.
U jekk jafu qed jiehdu azzjoni?
G Falzon
Sep 21st 2011, 17:23
Do you mean to say that 90% of our police force are ignorant of the law? Even 1% ignorance of the law by the country's police force is unacceptable!
Bernard Storace
Sep 21st 2011, 17:57
Mr. Falzon, I concur with Mr. Gauci 100%. I seriously am of the opinion that a great many police officers do not know about this law considering the number of power assisted cycles I see being driven past police stations without being stopped or questioned.
R. Gauci
Sep 22nd 2011, 12:19
Sur Falzon, qabbad MP jaghmel domanda parlamentari fuq kemm wehlu tickets 'tfal' li kienu qed isuqu dawn ir-roti bla helmet u tiehu risposta, nitfa rasi taht mannara li anqas wiehed qatt ma twahhal ticket. Tiskanta xejn ghax anke avukati certu drabi jridu jaghmlu ricerki biex isiru jafu b'certi ligijiet ahseb w'ara pulizija, sta ghas-superjuri taghhom li kultant jaghmlulhom update imma fil-korp rieda ta` xejn u tahkem l-apatija, bil-Qrati ma tantx jghinuhom ghax meta jissawtu terga twaddab lill-aggressuri ma-ssaqajn within minutes.
Victor Zammit
Sep 21st 2011, 16:40
"Some knowledge of the Highway Code" indeed. When was it last we heard it even existed, let alone getting people to know about it alongside so much else that is dished out on the local media.
These cycles are a joy to ride, even by senior citizens. But people who have been abroad and watched them in use, the road/street arrangements and the courtesy of other four-wheeled vehicles will tell you that Malta is no place to ride cycles. We simply do not have the collective frame of mind for them.
James Wightman
Sep 21st 2011, 17:06
Yet people still do, and legally too, thats no reason to ban all cyclists? We don't ban cars when a motorist is killed do we.
Victor Zammit
Sep 21st 2011, 17:21
If these comments are anything to go by I am more than adequately borne. Besides the mortality rate per capita for both types of transport speaks for itself.
G Falzon
Sep 21st 2011, 16:27
Eureka! What is the use of a thousand legal notices, even if these are engraved on marble, if "enforcement" does not exist!?
Mr Giovanni Rizzo
Sep 21st 2011, 17:12
TRUE
James Wightman
Sep 21st 2011, 17:16
Power assisted bikes should already be registered. Problem is insurance companies don't offer such cover, from a pedal cycling perspective, to individual riders. It is unlikely they could all be registered, at least in a fair and just way, I mean it would have to be so low it would not be practicalble. While a sticker might be used as a palte I'm against a proper plate for safety reasons as these act as bacon slicers.
Joseph Sammut
Sep 21st 2011, 16:24
If they want to share the road, they must have a registration number and insurance - this goes for both pedal and motorised bicycles, which both flaunt road regulations regularly.
Mr James Micallef
Sep 21st 2011, 17:30
Having a registration number defeats the purpose of having a quick-and-easy means of transport. In some countries (eg Switzerland) insurance is provided by a sticker (vignette) that can be purchased from post offices, supermarkets etc. A new sticker has to be bought every year and must be displayed on the bike. This provides insurance without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Sure you are right that bicycle riders flaunt road regulations regularly. So do the drivers of cars, buses, trucks and every other mode of transport on our streets. Education and enforcement is what is required, not added red tape
Paul Felice
Sep 21st 2011, 18:21
Dear Dr. Sammut, are you saying that if I want to ride my bicycle (non-motorized, non-powered, just a plain bicycle) I need to pay registration and insurance???
Joseph Sammut
Sep 21st 2011, 18:31
@ Paul Felice: Dear Mr. Felice, first of all you can do away with the "Dr", thanks. The principle I use is that for anyone to use a road, he/she must be registered/insured. If a bicycle accidentally (isn't everything an accident!!) scratched a car, why shouldn't the cyclist be responsible for this act? Should a police/warden report be done? How would the perpetrator be reported. It might sound absurd because we have never registered/insured a bicycle before (before there weren't so many bicycles around either), but what if it happened to you (hope not); what would your recourse be if the perpetrator ran away - foot the bill?!!
Joseph Sammut
Sep 21st 2011, 18:39
@Mr. Micallef: please why if the subject is bicycles, one has to mention cars, buses, trucks, etc. Who is saying otherwise; but now the subject is bicycles. Why should a rego number defeat/diminish the easy aspect of cycling. I am sure all vehicles owners would reason this way if allowed. The point is that if cyclists want to share the road, then they have to share everything. I once wrote that if studies/statistics could be drawn, one shouldn't be surprised if - per capita - cyclist are worst offenders of road regulations.
Paul Felice
Sep 23rd 2011, 18:07
Dear Mr. Sammut, you do have a point. Unfortunately whether riding a car, walking on the side walk, or driving a car there are still people who when they hit another car (let's say parked) they just leave. I believe that if someone hits a car either way they should at least have the courtesy to ask the owner how they can make up for it. Otherwise I would agree in charging the offender with vandalism to private property.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Sep 21st 2011, 16:16
If we want to avoid further accidents regulations need to be enforced with immediate confiscation of the machines of offending cyclists. The e transport authorities should additionaly impose
(i) a speed limit of not more than 20km per hr. I have seen some youngsters who supercharge their bicycles to do at least 50km per hr and start off like dragsters and are a real menace to other drivers
(ii) Ban petrol engines because they are very noisy and can be supercharged.
(iii) Lower perhaps the age limit 14 provided regulations are followed,safety gear worn and riders pass a cycle handling test.
(iv) Force riders who do not already have a driving licence to attend riding lessons and take a practical riding test to ensure they understand road signs and regulations and acquire a certain road sense. Properly managed such road training could eventually produce better car drivers of the future..
James Wightman
Sep 21st 2011, 17:09
I don't get the logic of your arguement? You want to slow them down yet make them more accessible to younger riders? Surely the current legislation is enough, it just needs to be applied.
Paul Felice
Sep 21st 2011, 18:28
20 km/h?? I can run faster than that. I personally do not have one of these toys but I ride a bicycle and easily do 50 km/h, and I never had a serious accident. I had to wait till I was 18 to get my motorcycle license so I agree that young people (16+) should be allowed to ride either up to 50cc or 125cc motorcycles provided they register and insure their vehicle, and take both theory and practice tests. Also, I think people would start using motorcycles more, thus reducing CO2 emissions and traffic (especially during peak hours when people are heading to work and back).
Christopher Pollard
Sep 21st 2011, 16:12
Yet again we seem to have the regulations but no enforcement. Do the regulations make it clear which agency is responsible for enforcement?
These motorised bikes are favourites for young teenagers racing round the streets in our area - crash helmets, lights, traffic laws, all a complete mystery. Either enforce the laws or scrap them. Having the law is not the same as solving the problem.
Michael Camilleri
Sep 21st 2011, 16:06
See EU-Directive 2002/24/EC. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32002L0024:EN:HTML
Mr Joseph Stafrace
Sep 21st 2011, 15:57
Talking about insurance; is there anyone out there who can confirm if electric wheel chairs are insured? Here in Marsascala a man who seems to have a death wish is frequently seen driveing in the middle of the road. Do these vehicles fall under the Pedal and Low-Powered Cycles Regulations ?
Mr M camilleri
Sep 21st 2011, 15:52
Jekk Tranport Malta trid tisa tibda tacetta li jinstaqu il Mopeds li ikunu muturi zaghar ta cilindrata baxxa taht 49cc over 16 u bekk dawn il muturi ghandom ikollom certificat EEC li u hafna ahjar min CE u wara 18 min ikollu licenzja tal karrozza jista isuqom bla problema . U dawn ir roti jispicaw bla problemi ta xejn wara kollox dawk hajja qasira ghandom la magna zighira forsi sena jew 2 liktar u Moped huwa ferm irhis li kwazzi listes prezz ta roti mutur.
Ramon Casha
Sep 21st 2011, 15:49
I assure you that every one of the regulations mentioned are ignored regularly by motorised bike riders.
Peppi Grech
Sep 21st 2011, 15:28
What about the exhaust system and the noise they are allowed to produce ,as some of them are really terrible. Probably they just have a straight pipe!!Nothing has been stated in this regard. Pity!!
And what about insurance?!!! Why shouldn't they be covered by an insurance?
John Falzon
Sep 21st 2011, 16:28
Mr.Grech, are you concerned only for the noise these motorized bicycles emit? Go and have a look at the vehicles in general on the road. The government does not bother with environmental issues such as emissions pollution and noise pollution! The word ENVIORMENT is used by both political parties to draw political advance because it’s a good filler for political propaganda. The government did/does nothing when it comes to road and building pollution or rather is extremely (repeat extremely) complacent with offenders, and the opposition tries to convince us that they will do better from the fence.
It’s about time MP’s start working on improving the quality of our environment moreover since we are so densely populated.
Simon Cassar
Sep 21st 2011, 15:28
so its about time that police start reinforcing them!!!! everywhere is filled with these "irregular" cycles, with children (less than 16yrs) roam in streets, playingfields etc without helmets!!!...Local wardens seem to take action only against drivers who park few cms away from yellow lines and who had fog lights on (what danger can they ever do !!!)
Andrew Cumbo
Sep 21st 2011, 15:27
Riders must be at least 16 years old and they must undergo a theory test to satisfy the Authority that they have 'some knowledge' of the Highway Code.
I have no doubt that the age restriction for the power assisted cycles is not being forced by police. Can the traffic police commissioner give us a count of how many parents are penalized for allowing their children driving these power cycles and often without helmets?
Eric Camilleri
Sep 21st 2011, 15:26
At the end of the day it all depends on who rides it and how one rides it. Unfortunately so far I have only witnessed reckless driving with these powered bicycles and none with a crash helmet (at least one as worn by cyclists). A month ago I witnessed two such "cyclists" with a death wish who looked more like 15 to 16 year olds, dashing downhill at breakneck speeds down the Ghadira hill overtaking cars and zigzagging all the way down, occasionally even crossing over on the opposite lane. To be honest I am surpised how they made it down alive. Luck I guess !
James Wightman
Sep 21st 2011, 15:17
I have never understood the logic of a government or a government department for that matter that bans electric scooters, yet reinvents the 'moped' wheel by allowing petrol motor assisted bicycles when a) electric bicycles and b) mopeds manufactured by motorcycle manufacturers to acceptable EU standards with better breaks, lights etc... already exist?