Cyclists report recent rise in ‘near-misses’
A group advocating more safety for cyclists will finally get its long-requested meeting with public transport operator Arriva, as it reports an increase in “near-miss” incidents involving buses.
The Bicycle Advocacy Group had first asked for the meeting to discuss safety issues, which will be held on Thursday, more than eight months ago.
A major concern for cyclists is when large vehicles, including trucks and tourist buses, get too close by pulling in too soon after overtaking them, trying to beat them to junctions or overtaking just before a bus stop.
James Wightman, a representative of the group, said this behaviour seemed to have become worse, especially with the introduction of bendy buses. The group has kept a log of reported near-miss incidents (see graph below).
Among these was a bus driver who “bullied” a cyclist along the Marsa priority-vehicle lane and a hit-and-run event on the Coast Road, where a young woman was admitted to the emergency department with facial injuries.
When contacted, an Arriva spokesman said the company “does not have anything to say about the alleged near-misses and we do not have any record on our system of such incidents”.
Since October the group has been contacting the bus firm to discuss “remedial training” for drivers that would include how to drive safely around cyclists, as part of a bicycle safety awareness programme.
It also proposed a scheme where cyclists can report bad and good driving behaviour.
Apart from three letters asking the bus operator to discuss these safety issues, Mr Wightman also reported a specific near-miss through an e-mail in mid-May.
He was informed his complaint had been forwarded to the health and safety manager but has not heard from them since.
The Arriva spokesman told The Times the company had systems in place and those who wanted to report bad or good driving could contact their customer care centre or support booths in Valletta, Buġibba, the airport and Sliema.
However, the company was ready to discuss any matter or special issues that arose from time to time.
The pressure group is not targeting only the public transport service but proposes a similar scheme for other heavy vehicles.
Mr Wightman, who has been cycling in Malta for the past 15 years, believes the biggest safety issue is vehicles passing by too closely. Also, some drivers just cut across a cyclist’s path or even open their car doors as they approach.
He added the general state of the road where cyclists were supposed to ride tended to be “poorly maintained and riddled with pot holes, damaged drain covers and glass”.
When it came to official bicycle lanes, these were sometimes designated to just one side of the road.
But Mr Wightman believes Maltese roads are not worse than those in the UK 10 years ago.
“That doesn’t mean they are safe... far from it, but it shouldn’t put anyone off. You just need to be on the ball. However, we can’t compare our roads with the likes of Holland, Germany or even Italy,” he added.
Calling for “safe cycling” is not a new concept. In February, The Times of London launched a campaign called Cities Fit For Cycling after a reporter was seriously injured by a lorry.
The campaign calls for safer cycling, including better training and the appointment of cycling commissioners in every city.
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joe briffa
Jul 11th 2012, 07:50
This comes from both cyclists and car drivers alike,both are immature for riding and driving on these roads....
Mr robert micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 21:54
Martin when was the last time you rode a bicycle because from your comment i think you were 7 years old. a bicycle unlike the tricycle you used to ride easily does 30-40km on level ground. try doing that against the flow of traffic
Peter Murray
Jul 10th 2012, 21:53
Cyclists also should be banned from cycling on pavements and fined for doing so.
F. Pisani
Jul 11th 2012, 09:39
if the pavement is wide enough i don't see any problem, but i think Cyclist must be more diciplaned thats all we need here, but in anycase well said mate.
James Wightman
Jul 12th 2012, 07:42
Firstly Peter they are. Except where marked. Where that happens it needs to be planned. The current walking speed limit on shared paths for instance results in a dynamic envelope of 0.8m which surely is contrary to what's desired, cyclists being in more control. 12KPH would be a DE of 0.2m, less weave & wobble. Even Brighton prom has a speed limit of 10MPH.
Secondly, I don't have problem using the road, but as I have said before pushing cyclists off pavements means cars will be stuck behind cyclists, that means novice cyclists who will be going slower being less confident.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:46
Firstly BAG has not to date received an invitation to a meeting with Arriva this Thursday.
Secondly thank you for your comments. Few are actually about the subject matter but I will try to answer some of the comments below.
1. Cars are important. Love or hate bicycles there simple truth is there isn't enough driving or parking space on the road. Encouraging cyclist to go back to using cars won't actually make that any better.
2. It is too many cars on the road that is what is slowing traffic down. The government can either encourage people to voluntarily ditch the car, use bikes, public transport or tax them off the road. For those who want to tax bikes, bikes actually make your 'road' tax cheaper.
3. Road tax is actually motor vehicle tax, there's a difference.
4. Most commuting cyclists cycle alone so BAG can't really comment on sports or pastime cyclists (who are often car drivers themselves) who cycle 2 abreast. This is perhaps better addressed to the MCF although BAG will run a safety campaign about this in the near future.
5. BAG is a voluntary not for profit organization, we offer safety tips and monthly campaigns - do you or motoring organizations/NGO's do the same? We are also open to donations for training programmes if anyone would care to donate, back up their critiscm with hard cash?
6. In peak traffic it can actually be quicker to use a bike. Commuting implies using main roads. Sorry about that.
7. The look behind is a life saver.
8. The cycle lanes next to the runway are shared paths with a 6KPH speed limit, they are not mandatory and therefore cyclists can opt to use the road.
9. The new roads were paid for by general taxes, the revenue from 'road tax' wouldn't cover a few paltry kilometers of road. So cyclists do pay taxes as well - the road is there for everyone. An 85% of the new roads were paid for by the EU, are you suggesting Germans or Spainards etc... are the only people allowed to drive on 85% of the new roads?
10 taxing cyclists will only legitimize them and their demands, cycle lanes, advanced stop lines etc... be careful what you wish for. Trust me your better off as you are, but a little more respect wouldn't harm.
Once again thank you for your comments, we will try to constructively address as many as we can.
M A.Orland
Jul 10th 2012, 18:58
For the comment (work harder and buy a CaR) !!! I have 2 cars ,3 Vans & 4 bikes..!! we don't need your pathetic advice .... and the comment who said that (we dont pay licence) ... I pay the licence for all the mention vehicles.. mhux bizejjed??? and for the Comment who said (stay off the road) .. you own the CAR not the ROAD .. so make sure when you see us, YOU stay 1.50m away from us as the road is not yours and is there to share..!
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:49
Peter, short answer, yes.
We are planning a safety campaign about using lights later in the year and we are looking for sponsor's. Would you be willing to contribute?
I'm serious - instead of whinging about it we are genuinely trying to do something positive. Would you like to help?
F. Pisani
Jul 11th 2012, 07:45
And Who is the show off now eh? And yes the road is there to share, but there is no law which states what is the safe distance between vehicles and on this base that is why you ( the Cyclists) Rush through and sneak between cars, in traffic jams, were clearance for you to pass is much less than that is that right. And another thing a normal dual carriage way has a width of about 7 meter right which normal is divided by two lanes right? So on that bases it leaves one of the carriage way of about 3.5m wide, so on this base if a biker is at least cycling 1 meter away from the pavement, and adding up your 1.5m away from the cyclist as suggested this means that there is no place left for the car to pass since one has to take notice of the incoming traffic, etc etc and is that fair? Who has the most rights now?
James Wightman
Jul 12th 2012, 08:04
Mr pisani it is rare for a cyclist to be cycling 1m away from the pavement and if they are it means there is something there (perhaps that you should be aware of too, a pot hole say).
Yes cycles can filter through stationary/slow moving traffic.
If you ban cycles, people will just go back to cars - that really won't make your car journey any easier trust me.
Nobody is asking you to give up your car. In fact the more cyclists there are the more likely you'll be able to keep it.
latest (unconfirmed/initial) bike count figures for rush hour are approx 1 bike every 2mins that equates to a small car park - a vacant car park.
James Wightman
Jul 12th 2012, 18:19
@ Mr Pisani, you prompted me to backtrack some research. The DOT(UK)'s LTN's cite a minimum passing distance of 1.5m at 30MPH. So M A Orland is ONLY citing best practise not actually showing off.
The recommended road (lane) width for this (30MPH for cars) is 4.3m and 5.05m for buses/HGV's. Clearly if the lane is really 3.5m its to narrow and that might prompt the powers that be to reduce the speed limit accordingly, no?
Peter Murray
Jul 10th 2012, 18:21
Just a quick one -whenever did anybody ever see a cyclist signal/indicate what their intention/movements were going to be.Please don't state the obvious and say that the majorty of drivers don't indicate as two wrongs will never make a right and that this fact shouldn't dsitract from thefact that cyclists are equally cuplable.Also when do you see them obey traffic signals when on red?
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 19:06
To ………………………..Peter Murray …………….Today, 18:21
“Just a quick one -whenever did anybody ever see a cyclist signal/indicate what their intention/movements were going to be” .
Oh not again !!
Fertile imagination, I’d say….
Any cyclsist who changes direction , especially turning right, risks his life every time he changes direction in traffic. even if he does signal !
The Big Imponderable, Mr Murray, is: “will a driver take the least bit of notice of the cyclist’s signal in the first place ?” - - - - - - answer: generally "no". (I speak from experience )
F. Pisani
Jul 11th 2012, 07:45
Well Said Mate!
James Wightman
Jul 12th 2012, 07:45
Well yes I have. Perhaps if you can't see cyclist you shouldn't drive?
James Wightman
Jul 12th 2012, 07:58
Sorry Peter, I had posted this in the wrong place - short answer, is yes.
Unfortunately the obvious is what such cyclist are socialized into. Monkey see, monkey do.
Very few localities of serious cycle training.
We are planning a safety campaign about using lights later in the year and we are looking for sponsor's. Would you be willing to contribute?
I'm serious - instead of whining about it we are genuinely trying to do something positive. Would you like to help?
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 17:13
To ………………………..Martin Saliba …………Today, 14:36
RE “If near misses are caused when the cyclist is riding as the one in the picture it is mostly their fault.”
That’s nonsense !
Mr Saliba – the picture (in the printed version ot the Times) seems to have been reversed ( or maybe the cyclist is riding a bike on the continent?) - - or maybe, The cyclist is entering a one-way street.
Even if he wasn’t – it is normal for a cyclist to momentarily look back over his shoulder to check if he is clear from behind. A cyclist probably does this every time he changes direction.
Why all this odious nit-picking ????
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 17:03
To …………………………..Peter Murray………….Today, 14:30
RE “ cyclists contribute a lot to this with their arrogance and cavlaier appraoch to road regulations.
RE “ I would consider that they contribute to using the roads via paying road tax or mandatory insurance as required by vehicle drivers before they start shouting the odds.”
More shooting from the hip, Mr Murray .
I would assume that Mr Murray is British – this is typical British old-fashioned anti-bicycle sentiment which was rampant in the UK until the late 90s – unfortunately Malta inherited this Bbritish anti-bicycle attitude (so evident in this blog) from the old colonial times.
Of course, Britain has now seen the light – thanks to good ole’ Boris - but some people are still stuck in a time-warp.
Just in case Mr Murray questions my credentials – I commuted almost daily to work by bike over a period of over 3 decades while working overseas in different EU countries including Switzerland, Denmark and Britain. Used to commute in Britain in the 80s where I experienced the fierce anti-bicycle sentiment of motorists of those days… which came as a shock after Denmark
Carmel Vella
Jul 10th 2012, 16:58
Cycling is good for all who do cycle, and the environment , and the parking problems, and more.
Please be careful for those that are willing to place their very lives in your hands. Perhaps we can try creating a bicycles only lanes, but. I doubt that car drivers will honor that. Shame really . If you do cycle, do it defensively.
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 16:50
To ………………………A Cuschieri……………… Today, 12:22
Re “ , cyclists without helmets” sorry Mr Cuschieri, but a helmet does not protect a cyclist from being hit by a car.
RE “I have to protect myself first and foremost ……… not rely on others to be careful for me” – there is very little a biker can do to protect himself against something bigger, heavier, and faster - like 1 - 2 tons of steel on wheels !
F. Pisani
Jul 11th 2012, 07:47
So get Something Bigger and faster...... if you can't beat them join them mate.
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 16:42
To ………………….Mark. Galea………..Today, 12:11
RE “zizaging in traffic” – that OK with a bike in stationary (or near-stationary) traffic – hope you don’t expect bike to stay behind in traffic and inhale all the gunge coming out of exhaust pipes ?
RE “and (ban) cycling in arterial roads” – some cyclists commute to work. So it’s all very well to say “ There are so many nice places to cycle” but if you commute you have no choice.
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 16:32
To …………………..Lucas North,……… Today, 11:32
RE “it would help if you stop pontifying that whatever cyclists do is right and what motorists do is wrong”
I wasn’t “pontifying” I was anti-pontifying what you pontificated – if you get my drift…
pat muscat
Jul 10th 2012, 16:21
I drive a car but it makes me wonder whether cyclists are insane or courageous people to cycle in Malta. What I see on the roads is incredible; poor cyclists!
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 16:14
TO ……………………….F. Pisani …….Today, 14:53
RE “When I see you at the next traffic jam I will be pleased to flash you my lights, probably I will be sitting quite comfortably in my car with the AC on”
Gee ! Golly ! What fun, Mr Pisani ! Can't wait !!!! EEEE !!!
Awfully sweet of you, you will actually "be pleased" to actually go to trouble to flash you my lights at ME !!
Unbelievable !
Thanks. Really sweet of you ! Sure it’s not too much trouble ? Ermm – you know, it’s such a job to press that dip button – and in this heat ! Really, really, really grateful for the kind thought. But hey , please don’t go out of your way – you know --- not very good for the old ticker if you are not used to exercise and all that, pushing the lighs button – and all for little me on a mangy bicycle ...can't believe it !! – phwoare !! Yipppeeee !
F. Pisani
Jul 10th 2012, 20:35
Playing the victim now?
I train daily at a local gym and so flicking lights in cars is training added to my daily ones. Bikes are simply not good for Malta roads, and with the prevailing weather in Malta I think that Bikes are useless. With all the respect, bikes are useless in summer, as they are in winter. bring me one up shoot that bikes have as regard to cars and then we will see, because as much as I can work out, you will be wet, cold, terribly uncomfortable, and ridicules in winter, and hot, sweaty, and twice ridicules in summer. And don’t bring back the excuse of pollution because nowadays you can buy green cars for cheep as much as one can imagine, and if you really want to save the planet than kill all cows because a normal cow produces more Methane emissions than a V8 Range Rover!
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 22:29
To ……………………. Mr F. Pisani…………… 20:35
Mr Pisani , whether you think a bicycle user “looks ridiculous” in summer or winter is your business,
I’ll still use a bike to get there faster and have no parking problems if I prefer it .
But getting personal with childish prattle like “Work Harder and Buy Cars!” or snide remarks like " if you really want to save the planet" is a no-no. Such stupid chatter merely shows that your opinion based on cheap snobbery and that you have nothing valid to say.
Bye bye
F. Pisani
Jul 11th 2012, 13:58
Happy to look like a Power Ranger 24/7, not a problem for me either mate, I just have a laugh as I go by.
Stephen Mifsud
Jul 10th 2012, 15:55
Reading such comments from some of you against cyclists, I realize what a stupid environment we are living in!!!!!, one said we need to work harder to buy a car!!!! for his/her information I have 4 cars at home with up to date paid up licence for the information of someone else too!!!! Not enough to pay? as some-other said that cyclist should pay licence to cycle on road.....I ask these people to work harder not to buy a car, but to go on a holiday and visit a country like Germany, Holland or Belgium to see and touch their civilized culture. You do not respect cyclists for your ignorance and egoistic attitude as all you do is staying in front of your computer chattering and eating snacks with the consequence of adding more to your weight. I do cycle in aid of renal Unit of mater dei Hospital, if you ever need to use the Kidney machines of Mater Dei, do you all still talk the same of cyclists on the Road?
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 17:22
Well said Stephen !
When I lived abroad our family car was a Volvo and I also always had a company car - most of the time a top-of-the-range BMW – but I used to enjoy cycling to work and used to leave my cars at home – like many others – the attitude in Malta is pathetic
(this item is mainly for Mr Pisani - probably sitting comfortably in the middle of a traffic jam in his air-conditioned car ?)
J Borg
Jul 10th 2012, 15:33
all pro-obesity over here, except a few wise ones!
c Micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 16:04
I am not obese or pro-obesity, thank you very much. There are other ways of keeping fit, without the need to p..s people off; swimming, walking, running, gym ......
Mr Mark Bartolo
Jul 10th 2012, 15:32
Although cyclists have a right to use the roads safely, they also have rules to follow.
Part III of the Highway Code is about Rules for Cyclists. This can be downloaded from the DOI website at http://www.doi.gov.mt/en/archive/HighwaycodeEng/part3E.asp. I would suggest cyclists familiarise themselves with their responsibilities.
The following are only a subset of the rules that I see most frequently flaunted:
• Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.
• cycle on the left side of the road unless using a cycle lane that is clearly marked for 'two way' cycling.
• ride in single file on narrow or busy roads.
• look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do.
• be aware that drivers may not easily see you.
• take extra care when cycling across exits and you may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout.
• Do not ride across a pelican or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.
wayne scicluna
Jul 10th 2012, 15:22
Since October the group has been contacting the bus firm to discuss “remedial training” for drivers that would include how to drive safely around cyclists, as part of a bicycle safety awareness programme
I have another idea for cyclists.....get off the road. I drive motorcycles 24/7 and still firmly believe that cyclists are a bunch of crazy people. Riding 2 or 3 abreast, not stopping at lights/junctions, cutting through dual carriageways ect. They should also be made to pay insurance. As it is, if a cyclists damages your vehicle, he can just walk away. That is unfair and will lead to some unlucky person being severely beaten up one of these days.
Bottom line........want to use the roads and be respected? Pay insurance and road license like everyone else. You were not born privileged.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 18:35
Very unlikely a cyclist will get up and walk away if they actually damage another vehicle.
Mr robert micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 21:39
Dear Wayne i ride a bicycle and im insured because im afraid of people who ride motor bikes. if you want to see the respect your fellow motorcylists try to earn watch this video and your friends were clocked at 180km/hr. now tell me who is the danger ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyWdH9417g8&list=UU9ViVeVgayDryk0mNeLNf0w&index=2&feature=plcp
c Micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 15:18
As far as I know cyclists dont pay any road licences and/or registration taxes. The roads are there to be used by motor vehicles whose licences are being paid for the upkeep of the roads. If it were up to me I would make it illegal to ride a bicycle on our roads. If you want to ride a bicycle, go to some cyclist friendly sports facility where you dont hinder any traffic. There are many sports in Malta, which due to size constrictions, we Maltese cannot exercise.
The worst is when on some random Sunday morning, major road arteries are closed up because of some cycling event. Endless traffic jams and confusion for some fanatic cyclists who think they are doing some Tour de France.
Our Maltese roads are barely adequate for motor vehicles let alone for bicycles combined. If there is no space for that sport either live with it and get over it or else find yourself another hobby (collecting stamps maybe). It is already stressfull enough driving on our roads.......
Alex Buds
Jul 10th 2012, 16:24
Cyclists pay taxes just like you.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 18:36
No the roads are there for everyone.
Road tax is properly motor vehicle tax.
BTW if cyclist pay tax then they would have a right to cycling infrastructures everywhere wouldn't they. I think your better off as is.
Patricia Mifsud
Jul 10th 2012, 14:38
I've lost count of the number of times cyclists have infringed the Highway Code - cycling against the traffic, driving the wrong way down one way streets, not having proper lighting at and after dusk, zapping past and zig-zagging through slow-moving traffic - and I'm not talking about youngsters only here. I've seen grown men who should know better behaving recklessly as just described.
Martin Saliba
Jul 10th 2012, 14:36
If near misses are caused when the cyclist is riding as the one in the picture it is mostly their fault. A cyclist should ride against the flow of traffic so as to be able to anticipate an accident and be able to take evassive measures.You cannot ride and look backwards as you are surley to go off course and cause a nea miss yourself.
Peter Murray
Jul 10th 2012, 14:30
No such thing as a near -miss as it is a near-iht that is the ony way to desctribe this problem andcyclists contribute a lot to this with their arrogance and acavlaier appraoch to road regulations.I would consider that they contribute to using the roads via paying road tax or mandatory insurance as required by vehicle drivers befor they start shouting the odds.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 18:44
Peter, 90% of bike car accidents are statistically caused by cars elsewhere in the world.
I can't see any difference in Malta.
Tax bikes if you like - no problem with that but be prepared to have advocacy groups demanding cycling infrastructures all over the shop. Secondly tax would have to be fair - i.e bikes don't pollute. Many cars that don't pollute are starting to be made tax free - it will happen here. Ergo bikes don't tax road systems, why tax bikes. Also your road tax doesn't buy you as much road as you might think don't forget Malta paid 15% of the cost of new roads form general taxes - that makes them everybodies.
Mr robert micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 21:47
dear peter my bicycle costs 12,000 euro. do you really think i would go out in the street without having it insured ? and ps i have 3 cars all paid for and insured just as you might be thinking that you were the only one who has a car here on the island. but cycling is faster then driving. plus at 42 its a matter of pride when i can ride from zebbug to cirkewwa in 1 hour. now can u do that ?
Richard Curmi
Jul 10th 2012, 14:17
To the Bicycle Advocacy Group,
I have been cycling for more then 35 years, approx 2 months each year, as a pre-season training for my other primary sport.
95% have been on my own, however there were times when some friends wanted to join me. I never said no, but i always enforced one rule, which was that we are going to cycle on the roads and not cycle and talk, meaning NO staying TWO abreast.
Now a days one can see quite large groups of cyclists, especially on sundays, and you see most cycling 2 or sometimes 3 abreast. Please do teach them not to do that. It is very dangerous. There are car drivers who do not have any respect for cyclist!
Otherwise, enjoy your cycling friends.
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 12:50
To……………….Mr F Pisani
Re that comment: .....................“Work Harder and Buy Cars!!!!!!!!!”
Ha Ha Ha ! Yes like the typically idiotic “Nudge, nudge, my watch is more expensive than your car” Heh heh !
How pathetic ! Such stupid snobbery as people attach to owning a car exists only in Malta and a few other (mentally-) backward countries.
The attitude of judging a person by the car they own is as old-fashioned as womens' whalebone corsets. We have come a long way since then.
The bicycle is becoming more of a status symbol in the wealthier European countries like Scandinavia, Holland, Germany etc where people own a bike and ride it because they are not softies - and not because they cannot afford to buy a car.. Now that’s what I call healthy.
Mr PIsani, Cyclists are perfectly satisfied with themselves - they don’t need any stupid “image things” like a Big Fat Car to show off in.
See you at the next traffic jam, Mr Pisani ! Do wave to me as I flash past !
F. Pisani
Jul 10th 2012, 14:53
Nice to hear you once again Mr. GG Debono, remember the article on the Floriana Arriva Car Park a few Months Ago?
When I see you at the next traffic jam I will be pleased to flash you my lights, probably I will be sitting quite comfortably in my car with the AC on, due to the prevailing weather. Cheers mate and have fun in your sweat suite.
Eric Camilleri (Q)
Jul 10th 2012, 12:43
When I drive I give the necessary safe space and priority to cyclists since a person's life is at stake. However the BAG should carry out a survey on itself asking why it is so common to see cyclists in pairs or triple lane instead of behind each other. The outer cyclists would obviously be stupidly risking his life and at the same time causing vehicles to risk hitting them or causing them to overtake over the opposite lane. I can imagine the dangers on the roads but you need to help yourselves too.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 18:54
We could and will. Thank you for a constructive suggestion. BAG advises cyclists to ride single file for those reasons. the guy on the right could get clipped, the guy on the left won't have anywhere to go if there is something in the road.
We are trying.
A. Caruana
Jul 10th 2012, 12:35
Stay off the roads
A Cuschieri
Jul 10th 2012, 12:22
Everyone's commenting and nobody mentioned that the cyclist in the picture is actually looking behind him. I understand that cyclists need their space and unfortunately, the maltese roads aren't all cyclist friendly (becaues of the car drivers and the lack of bike lanes) but cyclists need to do their part as well which isn't always the case.
It's not the first time you find people cycling at night without any sort of indicators to make them visible to cars, cyclists without helmets and much more. Cases like the one in the picture why shouldn't a cyclist be equiped with a 'rear view mirror' to use it instead of turning his head back like the one in the image?
To solve (or improve upon) the issue it takes all three parties, authorities, drivers and cyclists - but charity begins at home. If I want to be safe, I have to protect myself first and foremost not rely on others to be careful for me.
Mark. Galea
Jul 10th 2012, 12:11
Sometimes some cyclists' behaviour leaves much to be desired - zizaging in traffic and cycling in areterial roads. On the otherhand, I have seen motorists making life difficult for cyclists as well.
I think the solution forward is more careful driving/cycling and banning cycling from dangerous arterial roads. There are so many nice places to cycle, why cycling in a heavily polluted, heavily trafficked, dangerous arterial road.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:01
To get from A to B. Think about it - the article is about commuting not pleasure cycling.
John Briffa
Jul 10th 2012, 12:06
I am sorry to say that this report is very misleading. I drive 4times of more, due to work, the road from Airport to Freeport. There is an official cycling lane which is well kept. You hardly see cyclists on their lane but mostly on the road itself. Now with all due respect, if the cyclists do not like their cycling lane or if this is only on one side (??!!) they still have to stick to it. The road is narrow and there is hardly any space left for bicycles. We too have one ways and all sorts, however we still have to drive on the roads....not on pavements. More so, many cyclists couple during their course which makes it even more dangerous for overtaking with a car. I strongly suggest that afterall, the cyclists need to be educated better. If they go on the road, they can expect the worst so why don't they play safe, at least where they can !
J. Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 14:39
The 'cycling lane' you are referring to is actually a concrete tile pavement shared with pedestrians.
1. Bikes have rubber tires - the same as cars do - very very dangerous to ride on concrete tiles!!!
2. For a bike to share the same narrow path with a pedestrian (just some paint to divide in the middle) is utterly stupid, and dangerous for pedestrians.
@ F.Pisani
your comment is ridiculous, 1. some bikes are more expensive than most cars on the road, 2. you ride a bike to keep fit, to avoid traffic, and reduce pollution (as well as decrease traffic for people like you).
@ Chris Vella
" First of all cyclists should blame themselves for near misses as since they are the most vulnerable, they take unnecessary risks thinking that everyone will give them right of way."
I sincerely hope that you are joking. Your comment is utterly disrespectful to other human beings.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:06
John sadly, it's not actually a cycle lane but a shared path. the speed limit for which according to Tm is 6KPH. Walking speed. It's also voluntary i.e. advisory not a mandatory lane (so no legally they don't as you say have to stick to it) and far to narrow for cycling in both directions. in short people didn't ask the stakeholder who would use it before it was designed so its a waste of tax payers (including cycling taxpayers) money.
As for side by side cycling its not something BAG condones and will be one of our monthly safety campaigns in the near future.
Chris Vella
Jul 10th 2012, 22:11
@ J.Debono
You are looking at the problem maybe from your point of view being a cyclist. I'm not being disrespectful, I'm just saying what I see every single day on the Maltese roads. Being a driver by profession I don't tend to see just in front of me but even far away in all directions. I don’t care of what items a shop may have on display but I take note of everything that’s moving around or that may move.
Yes many times they take unnecessary risk thinking that everyone will give them right of way. I’m not saying that they may be doing it by purpose even if some may.
Imagine a cyclist going downhill at speed, and any loaded vehicle coming behind him. At some point there’s an obstacle that the cyclist must avoid at all cost and he pulls out do you really think that the vehicle will stop right there? The load itself will push it forward and how much will depend on its speed and load weight its momentum.
What counts here is that this report is not objective at all. It promotes the cyclist view and the only thing you’re able to say to me is that I’m disrespectful.
The Maltese roads have become a dangerous place to mess around with. Narrow lanes and huge useless pavements are the order now. Not to mention that most of us are on a hurry and under pressure.
Respect must come from everyone on the road. And we all have to pay more attention and care for each other out there.
J. Debono
Jul 11th 2012, 14:03
@ Chris Vella
"Imagine a cyclist going downhill at speed, and any loaded vehicle coming behind him. At some point there’s an obstacle that the cyclist must avoid at all cost and he pulls out do you really think that the vehicle will stop right there? The load itself will push it forward and how much will depend on its speed and load weight its momentum." ..................... he should keep a safe distance, bicycles downhill can easily do 60km/hour, no need to stay exactly behind them!
'The Maltese roads have become a dangerous place to mess around with. Narrow lanes and huge useless pavements are the order now. Not to mention that most of us are on a hurry and under pressure.' ............................................ so according to you, as roads become narrower, and you are in a hurry and under pressure, therefore bicycles should be banned.
Actually you just proved my point that your comment is disrespectful not to cyclists only but to other people in general - first me and then me, then maybe others!!!!
Chris Vella
Jul 11th 2012, 17:56
@ J.Debono
"He should keep a safe distance; bicycles downhill can easily do 60km/hour, no need to stay exactly behind them!"
So cyclist going at speed is safe if I’m getting it right without being further disrespectful and overtaking should be banned according to you. And if you'r going at 10 KPH everyone should stay behind you.
"So according to you, as roads become narrower, and you are in a hurry and under pressure, therefore bicycles should be banned."
I never said such things once again you'r only trying to distort the argument. I would like to have time to join you cycle around and not ban bicycles.
"Actually you just proved my point that your comment is disrespectful not to cyclists only but to other people in general - first me and then me, then maybe others!!!!"
I don't know what is you’r point here or if you have read all my comment as here you'r simply making a personal attack I invite you to read what I wrote once again or better I copy it down bellow as you might have missed the last line.
Respect must come from everyone on the road. And we all have to pay more attention and care for each other out there.
Further comments with you Mr' J.Debono are useless.
Enjoy your ride safely and let others do their Job. Not everyone is on a joyride.
Pawlu Agius
Jul 10th 2012, 12:03
As a cyclist myself who cycle more than 30km a day (for work and back home), I can confirm the many near-misses from buses myself, maybe they imagine themselves driving a small car. Once I ended nearly crashed between a bus and a parked car to the point that the bus forced me to pull so close to the car that I ended carrying its side mirror with me and with my hand full of blood from the impact.
Regarding making complaints with Malta Transport, I think it is useless. I once sent them many google earth images of Malta's main roads which contained trees that needed pruning - and their answer - they asked me to give them the name of the main roads as if it was not pretty obvious to which roads I was referring to - in fact the trees remained unpruned for many more months after and they just didn't bother at all.
Mosts of Malta's main roads, especially the leftmost part are a complete disaster - uneven earth due to drain pits (eg gradilji / tappieri), raised earth due to tree's roots or some concrete used for rain water catchment for the fields, unpruned trees, parked cars or people walking on the road instead of on the pedestrian (especially in towns), etc. The results is that your bicycle will require continuous maintenance - punctures, damaged outer tyres, damaged rims, broken spokes, broken wheel axis, and lately also experienced a hub which ended being eaten away
No wonder Malta still lacks other European countries when it comes to cycling - our roads and some rude drivers take away all your motivation before even start to cycle. An the great injustice is that of paying the car licence and the car insurance - I have just paid some Eur 290 for licences / insurances for a car which I nearly always keep garaged and use it not more that 15 times a year and which I cannot afford to make without because of those rainy days or when I need to take my aged mother to hospitall.
F. Pisani
Jul 10th 2012, 11:52
To all Cyclists in Malta,
Work Harder and Buy Cars!!!!!!!!!
Mark Fleri
Jul 10th 2012, 12:37
and maybe if you work harder at your fitness you might drop a few pounds.
Russell Fenech
Jul 10th 2012, 12:50
Haha good comment mate :)
F. Pisani
Jul 10th 2012, 14:46
@Mark Fleri
Cheers mate; I do my Gym Work every Single day, would you like some advice?
Richard Curmi
Jul 10th 2012, 15:58
@F.Pisani "i do my Gym Work every Single day, would you like some advice?"
Boring stuff while being vain and looking at yourself in the mirror. And probably you got the AC on too so you will not sweat.;;;; lol. your comments do give you away
not the advice i recommend others to take!
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:08
Got one. Can afford the extra bike so guess I'm working harder than you :)
More cars more traffic = just slower cars
Mr robert micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 21:50
F pisani you clearly dont know much about bicycles. Many of these cost more than a car. gym is for people looking for a social life. but well if you enjoy it im sure its good for you.
Chris Vella
Jul 10th 2012, 11:26
First of all cyclists should blame themselves for near misses as since they are the most vulnerable, they take unnecessary risks thinking that everyone will give them right of way. I remember that once at Marsa one was riding in the middle of the bus lane I signalled him to give me way approaching the bus stop so that I could overtake him safely instead he pulled further in the middle.
Big trucks and public transport are not on a joy ride the least you can do is giving them way especially if they are going uphill and are loaded. And not going ZIG ZAG as sometimes we see you do.
So please first make sure that cyclist know how to behave on the road not just for their safety but for everyone’s. Trying to avoid a collision with a cyclist may result in some nasty accidents and who work on the road can tell you more stories about near misses and at whose fault.
Enjoy your ride
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:11
Chris 90% of bike car accidents overseas are caused by the other vehicle not the bike. I can't see any reversed trends here. If the guy moved further out he was telling you 'don't pass now i don't think you have the space' I know you probably won't understand this, but cyclists often have a better judgement of what space there is than drivers.
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 11:09
To ……………………………….Russell Fenech………..Today, 10:24
1 ) RE “ If you ride your bike in the middle of the road you cant expect a car driver to drive on the other lane to overtake you. Just ride on the side”
Mr Fenech cyclists do not ride “in the middle of the road” you exaggerate.
Neither can you expect cyclists to ride in the gutter or closed to cars parked on the left side of the road – the worst injuries a cyclist can suffer canbe caused from having a car-door opened on him.
2) Re “remember you dont pay road tax like car users”
Mr Fenech: This is arrogant. The road belongs to everybody – car tax is faior because roads has to be specially built for cars – if there were no cars we would just need narrow people-footpaths and not wide asphalted roads made specially for you. Besides, car tax revenue doesn’t cover the costs for our roads – most of it come from tax payers who don’t necessarily own cars. Etc etc - It is time that car owners stop thinking the road belongs to them – it does not !
I own a car but I drive it with respect for all other road users including pedestrians and cyclists – so should you. .
John Briffa
Jul 10th 2012, 12:15
Mr. Debono, Cyclist ride in the middle of the road since they pair when they practice their hobby. As i said, not even the cyclist lane is used. Regarding your other comment, a road belongs to everybody ofcourse, but it is specifically built for cars and trucks ! Otherwise it would just be called.......a pavement perhaps !
G G Debono
Jul 10th 2012, 11:03
To ……………………………….Russell Fenech………..Today, 10:24
1 ) RE “ If you ride your bike in the middle of the road you cant expect a car driver to drive on the other lane to overtake you. Just ride on the side”
Mr Fenech, cyclists do not ride “in the middle of the road” you exaggerate.
Neither can you expect cyclists to ride in the gutter or close to cars parked on the left side of the road – the worst injuries a cyclist can suffer can be caused from having a car-door opened on him.
2) Re “remember you dont pay road tax like car users”
Mr Fenech: This is arrogant. The road belongs to everybody – car tax is fair because roads has to be specially built for cars – if there were no cars we would just need narrow people-footpaths and not wide asphalted roads made specially for you. Besides, car tax revenue doesn’t even come near to covering the costs for our roads – most of it comes from tax payers who don’t necessarily own cars. Etc etc - It is time that car owners stop thinking the road belongs to them – it does not !
I , personally, own a car but I drive it with respect for all other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists – so should you. Please stop thinking the road belongs to you when you drive a car.
Lucas North
Jul 10th 2012, 11:32
G.G Debono,
it would help if you stop pontifying that whatever cyclists do is right and what motorists do is wrong
there are careful cyclists who ride properly... and there are irresponsible cyclists who do not ...
a case in point is in the Mgarr bypass, always the same chaps, since they wear the vests that to me look like a team shirt... always riding two abreast in a fast single land bypass .... highly irresponsible since if a car tries to overtake, it needs to cross to other side, which might result in tragic consequences.
and while on the matter, I would love to know who is that genius at TM who decided that the cycle lane in this bypass should be made of cobbled stones... an entirely useless waste of space and materials
Mr Daniel Jones
Jul 10th 2012, 11:01
OK, but it works both ways too. Can cyclists stop riding 2 abreast on major roads, taking up a whole lane for example on the Mdina road nr Zebbug.
Or the other day with heavy traffic, riding 2 abreast through Burmarrad preventing traffic overtaking and slowing everything down. The cyclist were having a chat and seemed oblivious to the tailback they were causing. This leads to frustration and could probably account for a number of the 'near misses'.
If they want drivers to respect them, then they have to respect drivers, and also the road laws. Maybe stop at junctions, lights and crossings once ina while.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:13
You know its strange, commuters rarely ride 2 abreast, yet pastime cyclists who are often car drivers do?
S. Zahra
Jul 10th 2012, 10:52
I always give priority to cyclist but I am sorry to say that unfortunately our roads are not build for cyclists.
For those complaining why cyclist stay in the middle of the road, the reason is that just under the kerbs the roads are very dirty and cycling on dirt is not safe at all.
Philip Jackson
Jul 10th 2012, 10:48
Being a cyclist myself it pains me to see groups of 2 or more cycling abreast rather than single file. That said though the motorists in Malta care not about others. Cyclists should wear helmet mounted cameras for their protection too
Chris Xuereb
Jul 10th 2012, 11:00
Good point about the cyclists travelling abreast rather than in a single file.
Russell Fenech
Jul 10th 2012, 10:24
If you ride your bike in the middle of the road you cant expect a car driver to drive on the other lane to overtake you. Just ride on the side, remember you dont pay road tax like car users.
Joe Mallia
Jul 10th 2012, 10:58
Sometimes road conditions restrict cyclists to move right to avoid the danger. Perhaps if you pick up a bike you can experience the roadside obstacles while cycling. Some common sense should prevail so that when drivers see cyclists in such situations, drivers can use the horn well in advance so that cyclists move left when conditions permit. With all due respect the issue of road taxes does not hold water. There is a universal campaign to encourage the use of the bike which is considered one of the most environmentally friendly means of transport and relieves the traffic jam situation which is increasing by the day.
Dave Alan Caruana
Jul 10th 2012, 11:11
I drive a car, and yet your statement is ridiculous. I don't know how the law stands here in Malta, however in UK a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. Cyclists are advised to occupy their space in the lane, and not, as you are suggesting, ride on the side, giving other road users the impression that they can overtake in the same lane. This is very unsafe.
If your road tax theory made any sense, I would suggest that electric car drivers, paying a mere 10eu per year, should perform a side-wheelie to allow V8 equipped cars (paying up to 1474 eu per year) to pass on the road they have more right to.
Cycling or motorbiking it in Malta is more dangerous than it needs be (and bikers do pay a road license), and drivers of bendybuses (known in the UK as 'cyclist harvesters') and other large and long vehicles should be adequately educated when it comes to road manners and allowing sufficient space for other less macho road users.
Saying that .. it's always fun thundering past puny electric cars and leaving them trying to orient themselves in a cloud of petrol vapour and tyre smoke.
Russell Fenech
Jul 10th 2012, 11:36
Mr mallia, i ride a motorcycle so i know car users have no manners and what 2 wheels feel like, and that the roads are not good. But cyclists tend to think the road is theirs, especially the coast roaf
Saviour Sam Agius
Jul 10th 2012, 13:42
A car is never supposed to overtake a cyclist in the same lane, even if the cyclist is riding as close to the pavement as it is physically possible (which is not the safest thing to do). As a motorcyclist, I guess you should be more than aware of how important it is for cars to leave a reasonable gap between you and them whilst overtaking. Road taxes have nothing to do with it.
c Micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 15:23
@ Mr Caruana; We are not living in the UK, but in Malta, where the roads are very different to the UK. So please dont compare us to the British. It is very simple - THERE IS NOT ENOUGH SPACE FOR BICYCLE LANES IN MALTA, never mind bicycles!!!!
c Micallef
Jul 10th 2012, 15:29
@ Mr Agius; Mhux hekk, we have to give way to Arriva in the mornings and peak hours, and now also give way and dont overtake cyclists. What if it is a one lane road, according to you we have to drive behind mr/mrs tight pants at rediculous speeds ( case in point - it telgha ta Burmarrad)? And then we wonder why we have traffic here in Malta
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:16
Russell obviously you don't understand what 'road tax' more properly 'motor vehicle tax' is! If cyclists start paying tax then they'd have cycle lanes everywhere. You might be better off as you are? In fact now-a-days road tax as you put it is higher for polluting cars etc... so where would you 'fairly' put bicycles. less than electric cars and bikes? (i.e. zero)
michael southgate
Jul 10th 2012, 09:27
ARE THERE ANY STATISTICS FOR NEAR-MISSES, AND ACTUAL "HITS" OF PEDESTRIANS ON PAVEMENTS?
Mr Alfred Camenzuli
Jul 10th 2012, 16:19
Pedestrians? what are they? who cares about pedestrians? when the police on them self drive use the pavement try walking from Pieta to Msida and from Msida to ta Xbiex the pedestrians risk to get hurt by walking on the pavement, and what about little children? they are not safe on the pavement, Well when you are in Malta do as the Maltese do.
James Wightman
Jul 10th 2012, 19:20
I don't know. There are data available from NSO but this is just road traffic accidents. RTA's . You could try collating them yourself as we did at BAG.
Please choose the reason of your report below: