With the start of school and with many companies shifting back to winter time compared to summer’s reduced hours October is always a month that sees most of us having to settle back into the autumn routine. Increased activity brings with it more traffic congestion. No wonder that traffic, pollution and time management become this month’s hot issues.

This is why for two weeks, between 17 and 30 October, Paragon Europe, thanks to the EU Intelligent Energy Program, is hosting this year’s edition of the two-week campaign Bike2Work.

Individuals can choose to commute to work with their bicycle during these two weeks in October.  When they do, they are encouraged to register by visiting www.bike2workmalta.eu and get the chance to also win gifts as well as an E-Bike as the final prize. Companies may also choose to participate by encouraging their employees. A winning company will also be announced.

Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Darryl Grima, General Manager of Paragon Europe said “There’s always a lot of talk about protecting the environment, the need to do more to reduce traffic congestion and eliminate pollution. At the same time, everyone also seems to have solutions and yet, very few are prepared to start by doing something tangible themselves. Bike2Work is a two-week campaign where anyone can choose to participate by registering on the campaign’s website by entering one’s details and the commute from home to work by bike at least once. In so doing, participants can say they too, are ready to do their part.”

Bike2Work is an EU funded project that started in 2014 and is aimed at raising awareness about the four main benefits of choosing to cycle namely: reducing pollution caused by cars, contributing to a reduction in traffic, increasing physical activity and encouraging the creation of a wider mobility infrastructure.

“When people start to cycle more, this indirectly encourages the authorities to invest in better infrastructures and amenities. It also entices employers to contribute towards this by offering incentives to employees who choose to bike thus helping in the company’s overall CSR drives,” added Darryl Grima.

Pierre Vella from the Malta Road Safety Council speaks about the importance of the safety factor when using the roads.

“On the roads, no one has less responsibility. Indeed, everyone is equally responsible because a small distraction by a motorist or a bicycle user can lead to the same fatality. Therefore, this Bike2Work campaign should serve as another eye-opener and a reminder that our roads need to be shared by everyone and it will be a very positive move if more and more people chose to participate in this campaign by commuting to work with a bicycle during the coming two weeks. We also hope that for many, this campaign will also be the start of a new commuting pattern for them because once you experience the benefits of cycling, it will become easier,” said Pierre Vella.

5 Reasons Why Cycling In Malta Makes More Sense

·         Bikes save money and not just for the people who use them.

·         Distances are really short. The average car trip in Malta is 5.2kms – just a 20-minute bike ride.

·         People commuting on bikes are increasing by 20% each year.

·         Bikes and cycle lanes lead to easier access to shops meaning more profit for business.

·         Cycling infrastructure is the cheapest to build.