Five Years Since Zoran Pavlović Was Run Over While Biking To Work, Malta’s Cyclists Wonder If Anything Changed
Five years after a cyclist lost his life in a fatal incident, cyclists lamented that things have not changed much – and the island seems to have learnt nothing from this tragedy.
In a social media tribute to cyclist Zoran Pavlović, cycling NGO Rota did not mince their words.
“Shockingly, no legal action or investigation followed, and essential signage advising cyclists not to use the tunnel and flyover which the car-centric road signs intuitively lead to, have remained absent.”
Run over in Kappara on his way to work on 1st June 2018, Pavlović was a victim of lack of action, regarding previous appeals, and broken promises – of bike lanes.
“It is disheartening to reflect on the circumstances surrounding his passing, especially considering that just five months prior, a newly inaugurated road boasted six oversized lanes and a flyover, in contrast to a sidelined bike lane from nowhere to nowhere, that was on one side and merely an afterthought,” claimed the NGO
“In remembrance of Zoran, a memorial ghost bike was placed two nights after his passing, coinciding with World Bike Day on June 3. Many cyclists came together to honour his memory.”
However, a few weeks later, the ghost bike was removed to maintain the illusion of flawless infrastructure during a visit from foreign traffic ministers, concealing the tragedy that occurred.
“In the five years that have passed, there has been no progress made in ensuring the safety of this particular stretch of road. It begs the question of who should bear the responsibility for the lack of action and the absence of justice.”
“Let us not forget Zoran Pavlović and strive for a safer future, where the lives of cyclists and pedestrians are valued and protected.”
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