Malta ranked bottom or joint bottom in cycling as a main mode of transport. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Malta’s reputation suffered a puncture yesterday when the island was ranked rock bottom in an EU-wide cycling barometer.

The study, by the European Cyclists’ Federation, was in­tended to provide a multi­dimensional view of cycling in all 27 EU countries.

It focused on daily cycling levels, cycle tourism, advocacy activity, bicycle sales and cyclists’ safety.

Malta scored just 15 points overall. Romania and Bulgaria tied for 26th position with 30 points.

At the other end of the scale, Denmark and the Netherlands were joint first with 125 points. Countries in southern and eastern Europe generally had much room for improvement.

The federation compiled the results using data from five verifiable EU-wide surveys. Countries were given points according to their rank in each field and all points were added up to get a final score.

I have heard terrible reports of tourists renting bicycles and returning them because they were so afraid of the traffic

In terms of assessed categories, Malta ranked bottom or joint bottom in cycling as a main mode of transport, the number of cycling trips per population and the number of federation members per million inhabitants. Project manager Chloe Mispelon said:

“We are constantly asked which countries in Europe are best for cycling. The ECF Cycling Barometer is our way of prompting a debate around five dimensions of cycling we are prioritising.”

A spokesman for Malta’s Bicycle Advocacy Group said the island’s size, climate and terrain meant cycling could flourish but cultural problems had to be addressed.

“I have heard terrible reports of tourists renting bicycles and returning them a few minutes later because they were so afraid of the traffic,” he said.

The spokesman said cycling infrastructure had to be improved, drivers’ attitudes towards cyclists had to change and better enforcement of traffic laws was needed.

“Some positive changes could happen with little or no investment,” the spokesman, said suggesting that a stricter approach by the police towards drivers who “harass” cyclists would make his peers feel much safer on the roads.

He added that he had been cycling since he was a child but felt much safer on his bicycle in other EU countries than he did in Malta.

Many Maltese were physically inactive and overweight and did not consider cycling as an option, according to the spokesman.

The ECF published its cycling barometer ahead of next week’s Velo-city 2013, its international cycling conference in Vienna.