Malta is expected to take part in this year’s International Car Free Day on Wednesday after abstaining from the environmental initiative for the past five years.
Environment Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco would not say what led to the decision to hold the event again. Neither would he say what government activities were planned but said these would be announced in the coming days.
Noting that cars significantly contributed to air pollution, he pointed out that a population of about 400,000 owned over 300,000 vehicles. This, he said, could be addressed by promoting the use of alternative transport, including bicycles. Yet, despite a government initiative to subsidise their purchase, the idea had not yet fully caught on. To date, about 1,400 people benefitted from the scheme, receiving a total of over €50,000.
“Maybe drivers do not respect cyclists or we do not have enough cycling lanes. But I believe it is an educational issue,” Dr de Marco said, speaking at the launch of two related charity activities by the Inspire Foundation.
Inspire is encouraging company employees to cycle to work on Wednesday and the public to take part in a national cycle on Sunday.
The second activity involves two routes, one from the National Park at Ta’ Qali and the other from Inspire’s premises in Marsascala. They then merge at Portes Des Bombes, Blata l-Bajda, and end at St George’s Square, in Valletta.
Participation in both activities is against a donation of €5 for children and €10 for adults.
“We are not an environmental organisation but we felt we had to contribute towards car free day, an international event, extending it to cover a donation,” Nathan Farrugia, Inspire CEO, said.
Cyclists are being encouraged to ensure safety by staying in groups and wearing protective clothing at all times. They will be guided by a lead car, with back-up teams should they find themselves in any difficulty. Police escorts and ambulances will also be on standby.
Applications are available from www.inspire.org.mt and have to be submitted by Monday.
Both activities are being held together with the parliamentary secretariat, the Malta Cycling Federation and the Malta Sports Council, that is making a limited number of bicycles and helmets available.