A national cycling strategy and action plan aiming to start a modal shift towards the use of cycling in everyday life was launched on Thursday.

The strategy provides a total of 45 measures which, it is hoped, will encourage more and more people to take up cycling through a number of infrastructural improvements to facilitate cyclists on the road, whilst also providing an extensive annex – which is still in the works and will be published sometime next year – which will stipulate a set of standards and regulatory measures based on those present in other European cities.

The cycling strategy forms part of the National Transport Master Plan which runs until 2025. One of the most notable points of the strategy is a newly created committee called Cycling Malta, which will include a number of ministers, national agencies such as ERA and the Planning Authority amongst others, and all the main stakeholders promoting cycling. 

A study to identify a National Cycle Route Network will also be created. As part of this, two pilot projects for safe cycle routes will be implemented. These routes will span from St. Julian’s to Valletta, and from Mosta to Mater Dei. 

Peter Paul Barbara, the head of Transport Malta’s Sustainable Mobility Unit, said that a sign which simply says ‘shared roads’ “does not solve anything”, adding that the pilot projects will implement a number of measures to give priority to the safety of cyclists on these routes.  These measures include the adjustment of speed limits, the resurfacing of parts of the roads, making sure that cyclist corridors are continuous even at junctions, and the implementation of CCTV cameras along the route. A cycling detection warning system will identify and give priority to cyclists at certain junction points along the routes will also be implemented. This route will also employ a 'contraflow' system in some parts, a first experiment in Malta of such a system.

Another notable short term measure is the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform for the National Cycle Route Network. This will be in the form of an app which will include within it the said network. Eventually this platform will be included within a national transport system app which will integrate the schedules of the bus service, ferry services, and even the airport into one place.

Other short term measures include the development of design standards and guidelines regulating the provision of cycling infrastructure in Malta, the development of incentives for Bike to Work schemes, enhance education and training for night time cycling skills and techniques, ensure that the design of temporary traffic management schemes provide for cyclists, initiate discussions with the Planning Authority to explore the potential for policy requirements in relation to shower and changing facilities at places of work, and to collaborate with motorcycling schools to establish training programmes for cycling.

Short to medium term measures meanwhile include the implementation of cycle lanes at critical roundabouts, the establishment of training programmes for the education of professionals in designing for cyclists, the encouragement and expansion of e-bike sharing services, and a study into the potential use of cargo-bikes and e-cargo  bikes.

Longer term measures include the provision of security at existing cycle parking, and also identifying bus stops and interchanges where cycle parking would provide the last-mile connection. A further 27 "continuous measures" such as a promotional campaign encouraging bicycle use will also be implemented.

Transport Minister Ian Borg said that the strategy was the first step in offering the infrastructure that the cycling community deserves.  Borg noted that there are limitations in the country’s infrastructure when it comes to what can be added in, but he was pleased to see that the strategy made sure to integrate the cycling sector with other means of public transport.

He appealed for those concerned to be “more positive” and to work hand in hand with the government for the improvement of this sector, and noted that it is clear that the culture of the Maltese people is still inclined towards private vehicle use, a matter which has to be changed.

He added that he understood that not everyone would be happy with the strategy and that certain stakeholders would have expected more, but said that those who simply “complain” and do not act to improve the situation would not be involved in the success that this strategy is bringing.

The full strategy is available online, and the public consultation on it is now open and will close at the end of January 2019.

  
Photo Alenka Falzon