A newly-unveiled cycling strategy is proposing reducing the speed limit for cars on routes used by cyclists and commuters.
A pilot project proposed as part of the strategy will reduce the traffic speed limit in two main routes - Valletta to St Julian’s and back, and Mosta to Mater Dei Hospital and back.
Sustainable Mobility Unit director Peter Paul Barbara said this policy approach will use secondary roads and urban streets as shared road spaces with enforceable reduced speed limits. They will be promoted as safe cycling corridors.
Some of the streets involved are Dingli Street, Sliema to The Strand, Manoel Island to Ta' Xbiex, Ta' Paris to Swatar, and Birkirkara to Ta' Paris.
The pilot project is due to be implemented by 2025, in line with the Transport Masterplan, Mr Barbara added.
The strategy aims to promote a shift to increase the use of cycling, he said.
The document, available for public consultation, will be accompanied by a technical document which will outline standards related to cycling infrastructure, he added.
The document will be published next year after the public consultation for the strategy closes January 31.
The strategy also proposes establishing Cycling Malta, an agency made up of several stakeholders, which will identify desired routes and connectivity issues.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Transport Minister Ian Borg appealed to stakeholders to come forward with feedback.
“No matter how hard we work, our infrastructure has its limits - especially since we are the smallest country in the EU,” he said.
He also touched on the possibility of making use of helmets mandatory for cyclists. The law had been changed to take away mandatory use of helmets except for pedelecs over a certain speed limit, Dr Borg added.
He noted, however, he was mulling a U-turn on the issue, saying many had raised their concerns that allowing people to cycle without a helmet showed lack of road safety.
You can read the National Cycling Strategy and Action Plan here.