Malta is one of the European countries with the poorest cycling records, both when it comes to infrastructure, the share of cycling in the modal split and in respect to cycling’s safety record. At 315,000 vehicles to a population of just 440,000 it’s not surprising. The Bicycle Advocacy Group of Malta, though, is trying its best to change this, and was rewarded with a visit to the country’s president himself.

On 21 May, a delegation of the group had a rare opportunity – to meet Dr. George Abela, the president of Malta, and talk to him directly about issues affecting cyclists. The Bicycle Advocacy Group was invited as part of the Bike to Work Month that they organize.

Two members of the delegation, Nanette Farrugia and Carmel Asciak, could tell Dr Abela first-hand stories of how unpleasant life can sometimes be for cyclists in Malta. Both had recently been victims of accidents while on a bike. “I was hit by a bendy bus while riding down the coast”, says Mrs Farrugia, whose ride could otherwise have been one of the most pleasant and beautiful ones in Europe.

The meeting quickly turned to the positive side of cycling, though, as Malta has the same problems to cope with as other European countries. Too much traffic congestion, too few parking spaces, and pollution levels that urgently need to be reduced are issues in Malta as much as anywhere else, only that cycling has not yet been considered as part of the solution.

“The good news is that elsewhere cycling has proven to be able to ease many of these problems,” says delegation member George Debono, “and I think we were able to convince President Abela that Malta should not eschew these benefits to the island’s mobility culture.”

Dr Abela indeed encouraged the group to keep up their work and help Malta catch up with other European countries’ cycling cultures. The president also gave the delegation some guidance on how to promote bicycle awareness more effectively, advice that the Group gratefully accepted.

Jim Wightman, the group’s Public Relations officer who also took part in the meeting, is optimistic. “We already have the Presidents very popular L-Istrina charity bike ride, for example, so there’s definitely something to build upon and cyclists are increasing in response to the congestion problem,” he claims. To make sure the president does not forget the visit, Wightman left him a package of safe cycling guides.

Malta’s bicycle activists may still have a long way to go, but at least it seems they have found an ally on the highest level.

About the Author

Karsten Marhold is a communications assistant at the European Cyclists’ Federation. He has a masters degree in European history and cultures and is a researcher in European Integration in Brussels. His interests focus on cycling as a sustainable form of mobility and the corresponding EU policies.