Watch: For World Bicycle Day, Rota Asked Cyclists – ‘Why Do You Cycle In Malta?’
Yesterday was international bicycle day! And to commemorate the occasion, local environmental NGO Rota asked a number of bicycle users in Malta the pertinent question – ‘Why do you cycle in Malta?’
From Franciscan friars to young children, Rota captured a number of people within Maltese society who have all opted to take up cycling as their main method of transportation.
Lovin Malta also spoke to Rota to hear more about the initiative and the importance of encouraging bike use in Malta.
“For some, a bicycle is a fun toy to play with when they’re a child and then it slowly transforms into being just a memory from the past. For others, it is an escape from traffic, time-wasting, and stress,” Rota President Daniel Vella said.
“On World Bicycle Day, we celebrate the bicycle as one of the cleanest, most versatile modes of transport. Not only that, but countless people use it to exercise,” he explained.
“A bicycle is a great option for Malta, in which many commutes are just a few kilometres away. Pedelecs afford us much more flexibility now as battery power can help us battle the heat and the nasty hills,” he said.
According to Rota, why does the world celebrate the bicycle?
1. It does wonders to your physical health. People who use the bicycle to commute manage to fit in pockets of active time in their day, allowing them to avoid long periods of inactivity.
2. It’s great for your mental health too. The bicycle helps in reducing your stress and anxiety levels.
3. Time. We’re all about efficiency nowadays. The bicycle gives you back control over your time. Gone are the days when you have no idea at what time you’ll arrive at your destination, or arrive late because of traffic, road works or other inconveniences.
4. It’s good for the environment. The bicycle is one of the cleanest modes of transport. All you need is your calories, and it doesn’t generate any dirty fumes polluting the air. Malta also has high levels of noise pollution, which has negative impacts on our health. The bicycle also excels here.
5. It’s social. Arriving at your destination with your bicycle makes for a good conversation starter. You can also join 5,000 other bicycle users on our Facebook Group ‘Komunita Rota’ to share your experiences.
6. It’s just great. If you can, go for a ride today or this weekend.
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