Cycling group calls for safer pelican crossing for Birkirkara Bypass

Bicycling Advocacy Group (BAG) has called on the government to place a pedestrian crossing point within the Birkirkara Bypass at the location frequently used by university students, calling it an indication of the need for “a safer, more efficient pelican crossing.”

“BAG calls for an immediate pedestrian crossing point at the place where students have been crossing the Birkirkara Bypass, that has recently been fenced off by Transport Malta. Students crossing at that point are showing exactly where we need to place a safer more efficient pelican crossing, similar to two others on the Birkirkara Bypass,” the group said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Transport Malta starting installing barricades at the beginning of the Birkirkara Bypass, near the university in a bid to avoid accidents caused by pedestrians who ross over the road in its principal traffic artery.

According to BAG, placing a pedestrian crossing on this point will help not only students residing in Birkirakara or in neighbouring areas who make their way to the university on foot, but also drivers who park in near-by Swatar as a result of the university’s parking shortage.

The group called on transport minister Joe Mizzi and Transport Malta to prioritise the needs of pedestrians, while berating Transport Malta for fencing off the area.

“It is time the minister and Transport Malta actually 'walked' the talk on active transport rather than build fences. The fencing, reminiscent of that placed on the central strip in Imriehel has become a symbol of the ministries poor response time and failure to deal with effective pedestrian provision.”