Cycle lanes are hard to come by, but even the few that exist can be hazardous. This bicycle lane in Burmarrad has badly designed drain grates, running parallel to the road, with only faded yellow signs to warn oncoming cyclists.

Two weeks ago cyclist Alison Zammit Endrich, who broke her jaw on a similar grating in a bus layby in Gżira, said she planned to sue the authorities.

Her story convinced the council to take action and has prompted readers to complain about similar dangers in other parts of Malta, including Burmarrad and Marsascala.