Cyclists this morning called for laws “that actively protect riders”.

In a statement, the Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG) expressed concern at yesterday’s hit-and-run of a 72-year-old cyclist.

“In a situation reminiscent of the fatal accident of Clifford Micallef, cyclists feel that it is high time for laws that actively protect riders.

“Unfortunately the road situation has conspired to create an environment where those who ride for fitness purposes tend to do so either prior to the morning rush hour as identified in our National Bike Count or in groups on the weekends in the countryside.”

BAG said that cycling when and where there was less traffic or in groups was clearly not enough and it was time for the state to step in to offer protection measures for cyclists.

It said that 65 per cent of cyclists who cycled in groups on weekends stated they felt safer riding in a group.

BAG called for a minimum 1.5m passing distance, which was already part of the theory test as best practice, and for a presumed liability law to be created.

“The latter would also protect pedestrians from cyclists, align Malta with other EU states and reduce insurance premiums overall.

“Malta is one of only five EU states that do not have a presumed liability law. Such changes would be crucial for the government to propose any form of cycling related initiative that expects any degree of success,” BAG said.