Finance Minister Edward Scicluna today presided over the launch of a pilot project which will see the installation of bicycle racks in Safi and Birżebbuġa.

Addressing a press conference, Prof Scicluna highlighted the cost of traffic congestion and air pollution caused by cars.

He said studies had shown €200 million was lost annually due to traffic congestion, and premature deaths linked to air pollution cost an estimated €100 million.

Prof. Scicluna also pointed towards a study showing that obesity cost the country €36 million annually.

The minister said the government would finance the installation of bicycle racks by local councils.

Businesses would also be offered incentives to install such facilities. 

He said this was part of a bigger push towards incentivising people to give up their cars in favour of cleaner transport methods.

James Wightman, from the Bicycle Advocacy Group, welcomed the new incentives.

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