Pedestrians have come under a concerted attack in the last few days with the proposal to move a zebra crossing in St Julians and pedestrian space in Hamrun being reallocated to make parking spaces, the Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG) has said.

"Both will involve moving zebra crossings. In the case of the one in St Julian's, it will involve a considerable and unnecessary detour for many pedestrians using St George's Road, who will have to walk down Ross Street and back up again to catch a bus or to simply walk down into St Julian's from Paceville."

Cycling NGO BAG pointed out that while there are delays for car drivers trying to exit St Julian's, it should not be at the expense of those who have opted not to use a car, as these commuters were helping to reduce congestion.

"Pedestrians should not be paying the price of car congestion. There should be a proper study looking at pedestrian traffic and weighing the pros and cons to both user groups." the group said.

The group felt that the study should also look at ways to make walking more efficient if the government was serious about encouraging monorails or underground systems as this is how most people would be getting to such stations.

The group is also calling for a safety zone alongside the parking bays proposed for the Hamrun kiosk, to protect people on bicycles against dooring incidents. '

"It's very common there, people are in a rush to buy food and don't look properly before opening car doors or stepping out into traffic" the group said. The group also called upon the new transport minister, Ian Borg to seriously consider a cycling and walking commissioner to promote cycling and walking.