AD’s spokesman on the environment and rural affairs Mark Causon encouraged other local councils to follow Birkirkara’s example.

“We congratulate local councillors from all three political parties who have supported this initiative in Birkirkara. These included AD’s councillor, Mario Mallia, who serves as chairman of the sub-committee responsible for environmental initiatives.

“Such initiatives make a real difference in the daily life of residents. Through this scheme, residents from the town centre will be able to cycle their way to Valley Road and park their bikes safely in a parking bay next to a main stage.

“A proposal to introduce a bike rack was made by Lija AD councillor James Camilleri. This proposal was accepted by the other councillors and the council is working to implement this proposal.”

Activities related to the European Mobility week were also organised in two other localities in which AD is represented on the local council. Various cultural activities were organised in Cathedral Street Sliema. Unfortunately, a sports event in Lija had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

“While we support car free initiatives, we cannot but note that such initiatives would make much more sense if the government embarks on a serious reform of our public transport system.

“We cannot but express our disappointment that on the eve of European Mobility Week, the Connections Project – which would have contributed to the reduction of traffic in our roads – was shelved by the government. It was also a great disappointment that the government is relying on the private sector to finance the Barrakka lift,” Mr Causon concluded.