Apart from their Christmas trees, cyclists will light up migrants’ bicycles as part of a bike light campaign.

The simple ‘secret Santa’ initiative by the Bicycling Advocacy Group will see the donation of front and rear light sets to open centre residents and migrants living in the community.

The aim is to help them ride safely to work, and the initiative could even save a life. Some 10 years ago, a 37-year-old Sudanese man who resided at the Ħal Far open centre died in a traffic accident while cycling in Aviation Road, Luqa.

Several migrants travel to and from work to the open centres on their bike, cycling being a more affordable mode of travel.

The secret Santa will give front and rear light sets to migrants

Cyclists handing out light sets to fellow cyclists is not a new concept, and while urging drivers to respect cyclists, BAG itself has been calling on riders to ensure they are visible in the dark.

Suzanne Maas thought of turning this practice into a secret Santa event, however, as she noticed a lot of migrants commuting by bike on her way home from work.

So she turned on fellow cyclists for help, and they have so far collected 20 battery-powered sets, 20 USB-powered lights and 20 visibility jackets. They will be donated along with others provided by the cycling community, at the Marsa Open Centre.

The event, is being held in the coming days with the support of the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency in Malta, will also participate and has donated a bicycle, to be presented to someone whose name will be drawn by lot.

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