The first phase of the €35 million investment into lanes for cycling in walking has been unveiled, which will be focusing on the centre of the Sustainable Urban Mobility plan (SUMP).

This means that the first connections will focus between Sa Maison, Valletta and the Sea Passenger Terminal through Blata l-Bajda covering an approximate length of 3km of active mobility infrastructure.

This area includes important connections such as Valletta, the periphery of Hamrun, the Sea Passenger Terminal and four busy public transport nodes. All these vital nodes will then be connected to the Northern and Southern areas of the Grand Harbour.

Reacting to the plans, environmental NGO Rota expressed its excitement about the launch of the new bicycle network, “as it provides a convenient mode of transportation for people in Malta, who generally do not travel more than 5-10 km.

“With the help of pedelecs, this distance can be covered in just 15-30 minutes, which is particularly beneficial in Malta’s summer heat and hilly terrain.”

This comes after a plan for connections for safer active mobility across Malta was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia, together with Infrastructure Malta CEO Ivan Falzon.

The scope of the project, which includes significant infrastructural investments, mostly in urban areas, is to provide better options for travellers who prioritise active mobility.

The planned connections not only connect places but also give users the possibility to switch between different modes of transport along a route. The announced plans make all this possible, with users gaining improved active mobility access to public transport nodes and new proposed mobility hubs.

Additionally, the active mobility connections will seek to enhance the experience of the user in using alternative modes of transport. This will be done by adopting infrastructure that is appropriate and safe for the intended user and by choosing the connections to be direct and continuous.

The routes will also aim to connect green spaces and busy nodes so that the enhanced experience will be an efficient way to travel by walking and cycling.

This will also be an opportunity to continue ameliorating our urban spaces and continue transforming them into places for all.

During the press briefing, Minister Aaron Farrugia reiterated the importance of these active mobility routes and the way that this project intends to address the much-needed change in mobility in our country.

“Through this total €35 million investment for the entire plan, we are offering people realistic alternatives to their private vehicles. Safe routes, with the proper infrastructure needed for people to make use of alternative modes of transport. Through this plan, we seek to address a change in mindset and help people understand that there are better alternatives to the private vehicle, and we are providing the infrastructure for them,” concluded Minister Farrugia.

What do you make of these plans?