Despite the provision of bicycle lanes across the island, cycling along most roads, particularly the Coast Road, is so impracticable that it almost verges on the impossible.

Nevertheless, several cyclists take the route daily in the early hours of the morning and during rush hour in the evenings.

Cyclist Cliff Micallef was killed in a hit and run accident on the Coast Road last week. The accident happened along a dangerous curve but, since this location happens to be just a few metres away from a speed camera, it should have been the driver's responsibility to slow down.

While a number of signs starting just before the defunct Forum Hotel suggest that there are cycling lanes, the faded markings, excessive gravel and over-grown trees make cycling unsuitable.

To make matters worse, streetlights are found only on one side of the road and cyclists have to avoid both litter (which includes a flat tyre, making swerving obligatory) that permeates the lane, as well as a gutter. Any cyclist attempting to ride his bicycle must drive further away from the lane to avoid collision, risking his own safety from oncoming traffic.

John Zammit, president of the Malta Cycling Federation and one of the first who happened to be at the scene of last week’s accident, suggests that more collaboration is required between the police, relevant authorities and all those involved in road safety.

“While there are rules and regulations, it seems that they are continuously ignored. Let’s hope that Cliff’s death, although extremely tragic, triggers the long awaited action.”

While Mr Zammit does not oppose the use of bicycle lanes, he doesn't wholeheartedly agree with the way they are structured. "It is evident that some were created without permission, while others haven't experienced any form of maintenance whatsoever. Why is it that if a car happens to swerve recklessly on the bus lane on the Marsa by-pass the driver is issued with a fine, yet intruding on any bicycle lane incurs no penalty whatsoever?" argued Mr Zammit.

Cruising along the Coast Road, one easily notes the bicycle lane markings are faded to such an extent that they are almost non-existent. Moreover, the lane disappears abruptly at certain points, especially at sharp bends without any notifications, and then proceeds to start once again at various instances across the road.

It seems that lanes were created where it was convenient for the authorities; when there is a hint of danger, the signs are minimal, if at all. Furthermore, the lane ends near Kennedy Grove but signs give no prior indication of this.

On the other side of the road, going towards St Julian's, one small sign indicates that the bicycle lane has started, only to completely vanish soon after. While further notices are abolished, it is both unpractical as well as illegal to cycle on the pavement.

Bicycle lanes are also found at Zebbiegh Road, Mgarr and Mdina Road, Zebbug among others but similar shortcomings, including lack of road lighting and abrupt endings, are commonplace.

Furthermore, on the St Paul's Bay bypass, which is basically a brand new resurfaced road, accessibility is unavailable.