Road safety is a priority on the government’s agenda, which is why a 10-year strategy on the matter was launched last year and implementation has begun, according to the Transport Ministry.

The ministry was replying to a call being made by cyclists, who are demanding safer roads after two fellow riders recently suffered serious injuries.

A 44-year-old cyclist was hit by a bus in Qrendi on May 4, just a few days after a 35-year-old was struck by a car while cycling on Ħal Far Road in Birżebbuġa on April 30.

The cycling community has announced it will be organising a ride to Parliament to present a petition, ‘Escalate Road Safety Measures in Malta’, calling for safer roads.

“We request education, for greater awareness, from all road users,” reads the online petition.

Initiatives have been taken

In a reaction to this call – being pushed by the Bicycling Advocacy Group – the Transport Ministry said that in recent years Transport Malta has taken a number of initiatives aimed at increasing road safety. These include safer speed limits, improved drink-driving laws, the obligatory use of seat belts and helmets and the prohibition of using mobile phones while driving.

Last year the 10-year Road Safety Strategy was launched, through which Transport Malta aims to draw on the experience and expertise of transport stakeholders – including cyclists.

So far, the government has submitted plans for a pedestrian bridge to provide a safe connection across the Mrieħel by-pass.

The Addolorata junction project in Marsa will reduce traffic congestion and introduce bicycle lanes and pedestrian zones.

The Coast Road project will improve bicycle lanes and other safety features, and the introduction of bus lanes in Sliema, Floriana and Marsa makes cyclists the priority.

Besides this, the ministry added, road safety audits are being conducted during the design process of new roads.