Works being carried out by Transport Malta in Sliema are causing great inconvenience to residents and will also exclude cyclists, AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said.

He stated that the rushed works being carried out by Transport Malta at Sliema Ferries were causing a nightmare to pedestrians. ”Crossing the road is very dangerous, signs are lacking, trees have been removed, and there are no signs of bicycle lanes. As Sliema Local Councillor I am particularly concerned for persons with disability, parents with pushchairs, children, the elderly and cyclists".

He expressed that no cycle lanes are being designed to facilitate a safer passageway for cyclists in the area. Although the bus lane available on one side of the road could possibly be used by cyclists, it is obvious that this is still not the safest alternative he said.

Dr Briguglio explained that when consulting with the local Bicycle Advocacy Group (BAG), its representative Craig Wightman said that If cycle lanes are not present or are not possible, then the most logical addition from a cycling infrastructure point of view is to use Sharrows. Sharrows are clear markings that create more awareness of cyclists on the road in the form of bicycle pictograms and arrows indicating that the carriageway should be shared.

The AD Chairman also added that new parking places such as those opposite the Forestalls store (front to kerb parking) are missing a ‘safety zone’ road marking which keeps parked vehicles away from the traffic/manoeuvring areas and allows doors to be opened without endangering traffic or cyclists. This particular road was resurfaced and safety zones were not marked although similar markings exist on other roads he concluded.