A lack of consideration for the safety of cyclists during the recent modification of some roundabouts remains the biggest headache for cycling advocates, who have a pending list of issues filed with the transport watchdog.

Varying from the infrastructural to the regulatory, the list of issues dates back to 2014. That year, the Bicycling Advocacy Group tried to draw Transport Malta’s attention to the need to have the right of way for cyclists at drive-ins along the Mġarr cycle path.

The following year, cyclists and others expressed concern that pedelec use was falling rapidly because new rules hindered riders of the environmentally friendly, electrically assisted bicycles.

Pedelec owners are now obliged to register their bikes, and BAG’s request to revise sanctions is still pending.

One of the main priorities among the long list of pending issues, which TM was reminded about in June and earlier this month, is the proposed Marsa gyratory system flyover project.

BAG spokesman Jim Wightman told Times of Malta that the group had raised its concern about lifts in the artists’ illustrations instead of the proposed serpentine ramps, “particularly when the contractor operating the Mrieħel foot bridge refused to complete the lifts there”.

The lack of bicycle contraflows is another matter of concern and features prominently in the list of pending issues.

Despite such lanes for heavy vehicles, buses, hearses, electric vehicles and even fishermen, we have none for cyclists to make their trips efficient and safe.

But the biggest current headache is “the lack of consideration for cyclists” at recently redesigned roundabouts and junctions, especially alterations at the Qormi roundabouts on Manwel Dimech Street and the Lija and Gudja (airport) roundabouts, Mr Wightman said.

While most experienced local cyclists can probably get around these large roundabouts without too much trouble, the addition of another lane together with the increased speed of cars accessing the new junctions made them more challenging for beginners.

These new roundabouts were out of bounds for beginner riders unless they just wanted to make a left turn, Mr Wightman added.