Rota: Msida Creek Project ‘Missing Essential Links And Lack Of Cycling Lanes’
Environmental NGO Rota, focused on advocating for cycling on the Maltese islands, has highlighted some well-needed changes in the Msida Creek plans.
This comes after Infrastructure Malta recently published changes to the plans, and although the updated designs were slightly improved, more needs to be done.
A critical report published by Rota highlighted two primary concerns; missing essential links between localities, and the lack of bicycle lanes around the area.
“Msida Creek is a crucial intersection, linking some of Malta’s most populated localities within short distances. Rota finds the recently published changes significantly improved over the previous design for Msida Creek,” it said on social media.
“However, we stress that more improvement is needed since there is no substantial improvement in bicycle use over the current design.”
It still addressed the positive changes which were made to the plans, including, the removal of pedestrian and bicycle bridges from the previous proposal, and an open space including a fully connected piazza and green area.
So what is Rota suggesting to make this better?
1. A circular bicycle path
The NGO has suggested a circular two-way bike path that covers the perimeter of the entire Msida Creek junction, which can connect various buildings and establishments along the way.
2. A link to cross the creek
Due to the heavy traffic of the area which is also prone to flooding, Rota is suggesting a wider pedestrian/cycling lane on the elevated bridge or another lowered pedestrian bridge.
3. A lane connecting Pieta to Ta’ Xbiex
It also suggested a cycling lane that will better connect the way to Ta’ Xbiex from Pieta, as several road users will be squeezed together as per current plans.
4. Increasing Ta’ Xbiex connectivity
Triq ix-Xatt can be better upgraded to allow for a contra-flow cycling lane, by downgrading to one car lane and keeping parking, since the road converged to one lane regardless.
5. A link to the University of Malta
The plans currently do not include a link to the University of Malta, hence discouraging students who inhabit the neighbouring towns to make their way to school using a bicycle.
More suggestions related to the project that have been brought forward by Rota can be accessed through their website here.
What do you make of Rota’s suggestions?
READ NEXT: Ahead Of Budget 2023, Here Are Four Key Concerns Malta Has According To This New Survey
