More than half the cyclists that pass through six major intersections in Malta during morning rush hours are using their bicycle to commute to work or run errands.

In Sliema, however, most do not risk sharing the road with motorists and opt to ride on the promenade, even if it is meant to be out-of-bounds for cyclists.

According to a bike count carried out by the Bicycling Advocacy Group, 58 per cent of the 115 riders spotted between 6.30am and 9am at Qormi, Sliema, St Julian’s, Mosta, airport area and San Ġwann, did not wear training gear.

This means that cycling is becoming more mainstream, an encouraging sign for us

“This means that cycling is becoming more mainstream, an encouraging sign for us,” spokesman James Wightman said. “In Sliema, for example, our people were positioned at The Strand and the Balluta end. Figures at both ends did not match, which means people are stopping in Sliema.”

Mr Wightman added that the high number commuting to Sliema could reflect the number of foreigners working at betting and software companies who did not live far off.

This was the group’s second national bike count. While in 2012 there was an average of 43 cyclists per hour at five intersections, this year there were 48 riders every hour at six places.

Although Qormi was the most popular route two years ago with 39 cyclists between 6am and 8.30am, this year it was down to 10 between 6.30am and 9am. Mr Wightman said this reduction might be down to the redesign of the junction.

The group, which promotes cycling to reduce traffic congestion and parking problems, is calling for initiatives like a bike lane on Manuel Dimech Street to encourage cyclists back in Qormi.

Sliema remained a popular spot for cyclists, however data from the locality shows three fifths rode along the promenade, despite signs put up earlier this year banning cycling on the walkway.

Compared to the first bike count, promenade use went up by nine per cent, probably prompted by the traffic on Tower Road.

The group has been calling for traffic calming measures along the Sliema front, such as sharrows  markings in the centre of the street indicating that cyclists can use the full lane.

Meanwhile, just over half of the cyclists spotted at the intersections during the bike count were wearing a helmet. This means that there was only one per cent rise over data collected in 2012, although cyclists – except for children or power-assisted bike riders – are not legally required to wear helmets.

The group was disappointed that just four of the spotted cyclists were female, and the vast majority – 97 per cent – were male.