As a keen cyclist since several years I can offer my objective views as to what actions can render cycling on our Island a more attractive and safer means of recreation and transport. Financial grants in the purchase of bikes are a tempting incentive, but as evidenced in what is happening on our island, they are not good enough reason to convince more people to take to our roads on a bicycle, whether on a standard or an electric one. The perception (an absolutely correct one) is that our roads are simply not safe enough.Bike LanesThere have been recent efforts to provide more bike lanes in our road infrastructure, especially when roads are being upgraded. We now have some decent bike lanes and I can mention a few from my actual riding experience – part of the Central Link from Attard to Ta’ Qali, from Mosta to Naxxar along Triq id-Difiza Civili and joining up with Triq il-Fortizza tal-Mosta, below Mtarfa along Triq Buqana, and along the Salina Coast Rd. This of course helps and is commendable, but there are some serious shortcomings. Danger zones – the bike lane leading to Mgarr along Triq il-Mosta is a case in point as it narrows dangerously in a couple of spots either due to traffic sign poles or rubble walls. Some bike lanes end abruptly forcing the cyclist onto the main road or up a pedestrian pavement eg. the Coast Road one as you approach Salina area next to the hotel, a mid section of the Buqana lane;Maintenance – gravel, debris and rubbish is often strewn on bike lanes. Hence regular clean up and maintenance is necessary, including surface repainting jobs;Obstructions – it is a regular occurrence. You are cycling on a bike lane and up ahead you find a vehicle blocking your part, forcing you onto the main road. Either someone who has pulled aside to take a call, some maintenance or landscaping truck. Advertising campaigns should caution motorists of the danger they pose to cyclists when obstructing bike lanes. On this note, cyclists beware: avoid the bike lane leading to Mgarr at school exit time since a long stretch of this lane is taken up by parents queuing in their vehicles waiting to pick up their kids;Trench WorksNo one can argue that we have extensive road works ongoing around several parts of the Island. There is an intriguing question. Why is it that once a trench is refilled the resurfacing is done in rough cement layer instead of being properly asphalted? Such trenches are normally dug on the side of the road, precisely where cyclists ought to be riding (assuming no bike lane). You have two unsavoury options – cycle on the rough, bone shaking trench surface or pedal out towards the centre of the road for a smoother ride but with risk to life and limb. One ‘perfect’ case in point is all along the road leading from Wied iz-Zurrieq right up the village.MotoristsA seasoned cyclist can normally sense whether a motorist is a cycling ‘friendly’ one or not. Let’s call it 6th sense! It should be common logic that traffic regulations in terms of ‘right of way’ apply equally to motorists and cyclists. Awareness has improved, but I still encounter motorists disregarding my right of way as they drive out of stop signs or whilst negotiating roundabouts.Stronger awareness campaigns should include the “Amsterdam way” of opening a car door. This is a safety technique known as the Dutch Reach (or far-hand reach). It involves using the hand furthest from the door handle to open it, which forces the driver or passenger to swivel their body, look over their shoulder, and check for oncoming cyclists. This method, is designed to prevent “dooring” accidents—when a person opens a car door into the path of a cyclist or motorcyclist.Dogs on leash please!It’s the law. Whether a dog is chasing a cyclist in a playful or aggressive manner, the consequences can be nasty in both cases and result in serious injury. I still have bite mark scars on my calf to prove it!Cyclists’ ResponsibilitiesCyclists have obligations too. When cycling on the Island’s road network the same traffic regulations and flow should be observed. It is high time that helmets should be a mandatory part of a cyclists gear, as well as proper lighting and reflective wear if cycling after sunset. And when cycling as a group stick to single file riding especially on busy roads.Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike (JFK)Lovin Malta is open to interesting, compelling guest posts from third parties. These opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Submit your piece at hello@lovinmalta.com•