Turning Sliema’s backstreets into paved go-slow areas where cars, pedestrians and cyclists intermingle would contribute to healthier living conditions and increased socialisation, according to a report.

The report by committed environmentalist George Debono, called Healthy Mobility In Sliema, proposes the regeneration and modernisation of residential streets in selected areas with low traffic flow to create what the author describes as “environment areas”.

Penned voluntarily by Dr Debono – Sliema resident, doctor and cycling advocate – the report says streets in the designated areas would cease to ­consist of a central roadway with narrow pavements on either side.

Instead, they would be paved or cobbled from one side to the other so that pedestrians may walk anywhere on the street and be given priority over cars. Trees and plants may also be introduced to green the residential areas.

“Since these environment areas will be restricted to roads with little or no through-traffic there will be no obstruction to movement of cars... cars will merely be driven more carefully and at a slower speed,” the report says.

Inspired by a near accident he witnessed on the Sliema Front where an elderly man was almost run over by a speeding car, Dr Debono yesterday said he decided to forward some ideas to improve the situation in Sliema where roads are “desolate and bleak” and do not encourage people to walk in them.

What initially was supposed to be a list of suggestions evolved into a 16-page report, which Dr Debono forwarded to Sliema mayor Joanna Gonzi. The report aims to cut down pollution by discouraging car use for short distances while promoting walking and cycling. At the same time it provides a vision for community-friendly streets where children can play and adults interact in an informal way.

Bars and restaurants will also be allowed to have outside tables to foster socialisation and bring the streets alive.

While car parking capacity in these areas must not be sacrificed, the report argues, car access could be limited to residents’ and visitors’ cars in specific streets.

The report warns that upgrading must not happen in a haphazard way and rather than an arbitrary street by street conversion, small areas should be identified after giving due consideration to traffic flow.

It also calls for proper traffic assessments to be carried out when developers propose new apartment blocks that invariably increase the number of cars in an already congested area.

Focusing on Tower Road, which is the main coastal thoroughfare linking St Julians and Sliema, the report proposes a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour and more frequent pedestrian crossings to slow down traffic.

This will make it safer for cyclists when a segregated cycle track is created along the Front and also discourages motorists from passing through the area unnecessarily.

Until the bicycle lane is created, the report suggests a short-term measure for bicycles to be allowed on the promenade with educational signs encouraging cyclists to travel at walking speed.

“Allowing cycling on this promenade is pivotal to the success of any scheme to encourage bicycle use in Sliema,” the report says, lamenting the fact that shopping centres like the Plaza in Bisazza Street do not allow cyclists to park their bikes outside the building, while cycling at The Point in Tigné is not permitted.

“I still have to see somebody else going to the supermarket with a bicycle, like I do,” Dr Debono said, acknowledging that this was a cultural battle.

Dr Debono confirmed that he has not received any feedback from the mayor on his suggestions although he did notice that signs were posted on the promenade allowing cyclists to use the wide pavement and encouraging them to do so carefully.

As for the rest of the ideas contained in his report, Dr Debono does not know whether these will be taken on board or not.

The mayor could not be contacted for her reaction by the time of going to print.