‘Those Are Wheel Benders’: Cyclists Baffled After Siġġiewi Council Installs Outdated Bike Racks
Maltese cyclists were left baffled after the Siġġiewi local council shared an update showcasing the new bicycle racks they had installed across the town.
“This was done to provide better facilities for those who use their bike, as well as promoting the more positive benefits of using a bicycle,” Siġġiewi mayor Dominic Grech said, sharing snaps of the new installations.
However, the comments section quickly became flooded with cyclists, who were quick the slam the new installations and a lack of consultation with the community.
“The intention was good, but the execution was bad,” said one cyclist online.
“As a cyclist, I prefer tying my bike to a pole than using these. Sorry, total waste of money,” said another.
Environmental ranger Cami Appelgren chimed in, saying: “Awesome that more councils are starting to open their eyes that residents are cycling. Would be great for next instalment to be the proper ones, since these are so called ‘wheel benders’ and risk ruining the wheels. But it’s a first good step.”
She urged any councils interested in installing bicycle facilities to consult with Rota to ensure they’ll actually be used.
Some people even shared a like to Rota.mt’s site page detailing the options for preferred bike racks.
A ‘wheel-bender’ is a “bike rack that only supports the parked bike via part of the wheel, creating a very real risk of damage. Preferably, a bike rack supports the bike at two points”.
Images: Dominic Grech
Are you going to make use of these bike racks?
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