AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo today expressed support with the cycling community following the conversion of a bicycle lane in Marsascala into parking spaces.

Addressing a news conference he called on the Marsaskala council to revise its decision.

James Craig Wightman, from the Bicycling Advocacy Group, said the group was deeply concerned that one of the few built cycling infrastructures was being removed.

The expectation, he said, was for people on bicycles to solve this, by being actually invited to break the law and use the promenade.

“That's not only a very confusing situation, the loss of a cycling infrastructure, even a poor one like this, goes against what's happening in other developed countries with similar parking and congestion problems.

“What Marsascala should be doing now is creating a cycle lane that gives cyclists the same or even better level of protection and efficiency, including a contraflow facility that the old path offered."

AD transport spokesman Ralph Cassar said it was a shame that the only purposely built cycling lane, albeit only available during certain times of the day and frequently blocked by cars, was being removed.

“What are the reasons behind this decision? Is Transport Malta involved in any way, maybe in pressuring the council to take such a decision," he asked.