Rota.mt – an NGO that advocates for safer and accessible active mobility on the Maltese Islands, said that it firmly believes that “road dieting” (reducing vehicle lanes to calm traffic, create space and safety for bicycle lanes and pedestrians) can be an effective solution to address congestion problems, “but it must be implemented correctly.”

In a statement, the organisation said that simply removing a car lane is a “half-baked solution” if it does not change the car-centric nature of the road and fails at providing alternatives to driving in the gained space.Rota.mt provided an “alternative approach to road dieting in Ghadira,” with two conceptual designs, which it said is “by no means precise, sketching just 1 out of endless possible options at the narrowest width and at a typical width.”

It explained that traffic lanes are retained in each direction, but dedicated lanes for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users seeking alternative transportation methods are incorporated.Big parking areas were built just nearby in recent years, therefore, unrestricted parking in such premium seafront should not be priority. The organisation said that “this comprehensive plan ensures a balanced and efficient use of the road space, accommodating the needs of various users while alleviating congestion.”

Rota.mt concluded by saying that “it is not clear what route is intended for users cycling along there to reach the Cirkewwa ferry terminal, as there are no alternative ways available. Being the only road between Mellieha and the Torri l-Ahmar, a cycling path should be prioritised and not omitted.”

Photos: Rota.mt

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