The death of eight cyclists in southern Italy last Sunday was a tragedy that once again highlights the need of more responsibility towards others while on the road.

Last Sunday, a car driven negligently by a Moroccan young man under the influence of substances hit a group of cyclists who were practising their hobby – that of meeting together and going for a ride on their bike.

Eight of them were killed, and another two injured, while the Moroccan was also hospitalised as was an eight-year-old boy who was with him in the car. The ANSA news agency said the driver, who was only slightly injured, was placed under arrest on charges of multiple homicide. A police spokesman who declined to give his name said the man had tested positive for marijuana.

A preliminary investigation showed the speeding car ran headfirst into the group of 10 cyclists who were riding in the opposite direction on state road 18, according to Italy’s highway authority. ANSA said the driver was trying to pass another car when he hit the group. Visibility was good at the time, reports said.

The incident happened in Calabria, but it reminded us of what had happened in Malta last year, when a cyclist was also killed while on the road.

The Calabria tragedy sparked a debate on three fronts – the need for cyclists to enjoy their sport safely; the responsibility of drivers who essentially can turn their car into a deadly weapon if they are not careful; and the racism factor that always comes in when the perpetrator happens to be someone who is an “outsider”.

We will not go into the latter factor, although we would expect a similar reaction if something of the sort had to happen in Malta.

But we would like to concentrate mostly on the need for drivers to use their car responsibly, drive carefully and fully respect the rules on the road. It must be admitted that, in Malta, our roads do not encourage cycling at all, as the bicycle lanes are limited and the many potholes make cycling more difficult and dangerous.

While cyclists must also adhere to certain practices – such as wearing bright clothes to make them more visible, staying on the side of the road and travelling in a single file so as not to obstruct other traffic – drivers must understand that they need to proceed with extra caution in the presence of cyclists.

Overtaking them haphazardly, and even passing too close to them, can lead to them losing their balance. Added to this, it must be remembered that cyclists are extremely vulnerable and defenceless on the road, and any protective equipment they might be wearing will not help much in a heavy contact with a vehicle.

The authorities must also do their part by planning roads that are more suitable to cyclists than the ones we have today. At a time when there is a growing awareness on the need to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as to reduce the use of cars, it is possible that the number of cyclists on the road will increase.