Hundreds of cyclists attend safer roads awareness event

The Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG) this morning held an awareness ride in favour of safer roads for cyclists in a dismounted walk from City Gate to the new parliament building in St George's Square.

The event attracted hundreds of cyclists who were seen cycling in to Valletta in groups.

The advocacy group, led by James Craig Wightman, who has been advocating to make roads safer for cyclists, told MaltaToday that the whole idea is to make both the cyclists and drivers aware of the safety precautions and measures one must take to avoid accidents among cyclists on our roads.

According to Wightman, last year saw a significant rise in cyclists on Malta's roads who resorted to their bikes due to the problems that ensued with Arriva's arrival.

Wightman said that the more cyclists on our roads, the more accidents occur, and since there was an increase in cyclists this was accompanied with a rise in accidents.

However, Wightman added that an increase in cyclists on our roads also brings along with it more awareness among vehicle owners.

Elton Barry, a cyclist, and director at 6PM, said that "I have been cycling to work for quite a while now and the majority of drivers are courteous but at times you do find the odd driver who couldn't care less about us cyclists.

"It is vital that children should be thought the safety cycling rules and precuations from an early age at school, forming part of their physical education."

John Rapinett, an off-duty police officer who participated in the walk, told MaltaToday that he had been cycling since the age of 14 on his 'Bianchi' (a bicycle brand) and he had had a couple of falls too many over the years.

Rapinett had a good word for the majority of drivers: "I have seen a significant change in attitude from drivers towards cyclists.

"The change of approach towards us cyclists has changed drastically - to the better."

Rapinett emphasised that cyclists should always wear a helmet "because it could save a cyclist's life".

Meanwhile, Alternattiva Demokratika supported the intitiative.

Dr Claire Azopardi Lane, AD spokesperson for sports and disability, said: "The dismounted walk is a symbolic remembrance of riders injured or lost in our streets, Hundreds of cyclists have come from all localities in Malta and Gozo to make it to this event."