Environmental NGO Rota has put forward a set of proposals ahead of the upcoming general election which all aim to be in line with a vision for sustainable mobility.
“The bicycle should not just be an afterthought in the planning and infrastructure of the island. On such a small island, where the average commute is only a few kilometres, we want to see the bicycle seriously considered as one of the main modes of transport,” Rota said.
The eNGO which is focused on cycling advocacy, aims to push the government to deliver on their obligations towards all road users.
The 17 proposals presented by Rota serve as solutions to guide the government’s efforts so that everyone can have the opportunity to experience the bicycle as a viable means of getting from one place to the other.
What is being proposed?
The eNGO is proposing for more commuting by bicycle, arguing that the number of commutes which are done by bicycle is too low. Thus, a new government should set an overarching target to have at least 10% of all commutes to be by bicycle within the next legislature.
Rota is also proposing that bicycle users and pedestrians should be legally protected, saying that the government needs to explore the possibility of creating a rebuttable presumption in favour of cyclists and to shift the onus of proof on the motor vehicle users.
A rebuttable presumption is an assumption made by a court that is taken to be true unless someone comes forward to contest it and prove otherwise.
“This principle is already being indirectly applied in cases involving pedestrians – a mere extension of such a nation in favour of cyclists would be a step forward in the right direction,” Rota said.
Introducing government funded personal and vehicular insurance for bicycle users is also among the proposals presented.
The organisation said that while the acquisition of insurance should remain optional, a publicly funded option can lead to a significant uptake of insured bicycle users. These should be protected against bicycle theft, third party damage and damage to the bicycle.
In addition, Rota proposed that to encourage the use of sustainable and more efficient means of transport one should implement fiscal incentives.
The organisation applauded existing fiscal instruments such as grants and tax exemptions on bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, kick scooters and public transport. However, Rota encourages the continuation and expansion of such programmes with, for example employee driven measures to provide monetary incentives (e.g., tax credits or bonuses) for those cycling to work.
The installation of more artificial lighting in popular bike routes as well as the introduction of CCTV cameras in areas which are considered more dangerous were also among the recommendations presented by the organisation, saying that this would increase bicycle users’ personal safety.
The organisation also recommended the development of narrower car lanes and a bicycle network, created to cater for sustainable road users, that connects locations of interest to each other and provide a safe route throughout the islands.
The installation of secure and covered bike racks in strategic areas around the residential and commercial areas was also proposed, saying that this would allow residents and visitors to park their bicycle safely overnight or for extended periods of time.
The availability of bicycle racks at various employment nodes could form part of green transport plans which employers can adopt and implement. Secure, on-street bicycle racks/storage in high density urban areas would encourage bicycle ownership among those living in flats with, potentially, less space to store bicycles inside, Rota said.
The eNGO also proposed the adoption of a national cycling policy which incorporates national design standards of safe cycling, as outlined by the EU and the European Cyclist Federation. The CROW Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic was also suggested for it to be referenced for designing the suitable infrastructure.
Rota also recommended contraflow exceptions for cyclists. Contraflows improve permeability through the road network, cut down tailgating and avoid necessary hills, junctions, and main roads. They also allow for safer, and more direct access to the destination.
Meanwhile, the organisation stated the poor maintenance and the general lack of enforcement, makes the limited available infrastructure unusable because of parked cars, debris or other obstacles in these areas. This, in turn, makes several routes inaccessible for many or puts the lives of cyclists and pedestrians in danger. Consequently, Rota is proposing stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for such actions, and regular maintenance and upkeep of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
With regard to developing safer residential roads, Rota recommended a total of three measures, including road dieting, the prioritisation of pedestrianised areas and the implementation street-level crossings, or, if truly necessary, comfortable, and wide underpasses or overpasses, to reconnect old roads together.
Rota also proposed that country or rural lane usage should be significantly limited for motor vehicles, allowing only residents or farmers to make use of them. The organisation said that this may be achieved with several measures on both ends of a road, including, signage, camera-control, or fences with sensors.
In some cases, such country roads may even be left fully open, placing bollards blocking just one point or on end of a road. This is called a modal filter, keeping full access everywhere to any motor vehicle, but makes it impossible to go straight through without detouring around, while it keeps people walking or cycling unaffected. Turning some narrow country roads from one-way back to two-way can also be an option, achieving the same desired result of reducing most traffic. This makes drivers think twice from even using the road unless they truly need to, such as residents, Rota said.
The organisation suggested that the narrow countryside roads in the areas of Ħal Millieri, Ta’ Loretu / Ħas-Saptan, Wied Ġarnaw, Tal-Balal / Tal-Qasbi, and Wied is-Sewda, to name a few, are strong contenders for such pilot projects.
Encouraging multi-modality and giving priority to pedestrians in village squares and town centres in Malta were also among the proposals presented.
Rota explained that to encourage multi-modality, two measures can be implemented in this regard. These include the installation of Sheffield bike racks at main bus stops and stations as this would encourage commuters to use both means of transport and allowing some buses on main bus corridors and routes the ability to take a number of bicycles on board or through the installation of exterior racks.
The organisation also encouraged future projects to look at Maltese infrastructure holistically. Rota recommended that all new infrastructure projects consider the connectivity of cycle ways, and pedestrian infrastructure with nearby roads, alleyways, pavements and so on.
Moreover, existing infrastructure should be reviewed and improved accordingly, with a short to medium term plan for sustainable transport infrastructure upgrade, the organisation said.
Lastly, the organisation emphasised that the relevant authorities should adhere to legislation and first go through a period of consultation before new infrastructure projects are implemented. Stakeholders, such as local councils, NGOs and citizens should be given the opportunity to comment and make suggestions as to possible improvements.
An avenue must be made available in which legal action can be taken against authorities that fail to do so, Rota said.
List of Rota proposals:
1. Increasing commuting by bicycle
2. Legally protecting bicycle users and pedestrians
3. Insurance cover for bicycle users
4. Incentivising sustainable transport
5. Lighting and CCTV cameras to increase safety
6. Narrower car lanes
7. Separated sustainable infrastructure in main roads
8. Better and more regular bike racks
9. The adoption of suitable design standards
10. Contraflow exemptions for cyclists
11. Respecting sustainable transport infrastructure
12. Safer residential roads
13. Use of country/rural roads
14. Encouraging multi-modality
15. More pedestrianisation
16. A safe cycle network
17. Consulting civil society and citizens