Bicycling group urges for more bicycle use as temporary Marsa road is due to open

The Bicycling Advocacy Group has welcomed the reopening of an alternative route around the site of what was formerly the Malta Shipbuilding in Marsa.

Transport minister Joe Mizzi announced on Wednesday evening that a new temporary road will be opened around the area next week. The new road is being opened, Mizzi said, due to the closure of another road on Dock 7, which would normally carry 30% of traffic as a result of development of the maritime hub by Ablecare Oilfield Services Holdings.

“While hoping it will be cycling friendly, it is likely to be much safer than trying to negotiate the Marsa one-way system,” the group said.

“Although the bus lanes help protect cyclists, getting on and particularly off them can be problematic,” it added.

The Bicycling Advocacy Group said that it will be tracking the number of cyclists passing through the alternative, temporary road through the mobile app Strava, in hopes to examine the feasibility of the road in the long-term.

“The group hopes that this new alternative will help convert more drivers to bicycle use, who may feel that Marsa is a significant barrier. Helping drivers to make the switch helps everyone, as this cuts down on the number of cars that are the ultimate cause of congestion,” the group added.