Malta is setting its sights on making cycling a realistic everyday transport option, with the government unveiling a new 10-year strategy aimed at creating safer roads, better cycling infrastructure and improved connections across Malta and Gozo.The National Cycling Strategy 2026–2036, launched by the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, outlines plans to encourage more people to swap car journeys for bicycle rides by making cycling safer, more convenient and accessible.At the heart of the strategy is the proposed creation of a National Cycling Route Network, which would better connect residential areas with schools, workplaces and public transport hubs.And the plans go beyond simply introducing more bicycle lanes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)The strategy focuses on five key areas, including connected cycling infrastructure, improved facilities for cyclists, road safety and enforcement, education and awareness, and incentives to encourage more people to take up cycling.Among the measures being proposed are improved bicycle parking facilities, better connections between cycling routes and public transport terminals, and training programmes designed to help both children and adults cycle more confidently.One particularly interesting initiative is a pilot project that would allow students to cycle to school together, potentially introducing more young people to cycling as part of their daily routine.The government also intends to develop new guidelines for cycling infrastructure specifically adapted to Malta’s road conditions.Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett said the aim is not to force people to abandon their preferred mode of transport, but rather to give them more practical alternatives.“The future of transport in our country cannot be measured solely by how many roads we build or how many cars can travel along them,” Bonett said.“We must also measure it by how many real options people have to get where they need to go.”The minister linked the initiative to the government’s wider Malta in Motion vision and the priorities outlined in the 2027 Budget, which place greater emphasis on quality of life and sustainable transport.Meanwhile, Stephanie Bonello, Head of the Malta in Motion Plan, stressed that improving safety is essential if cycling is to become a genuine option for everyday travel.“If we want more people to use bicycles, we must first create the conditions for them to do so safely,” she said.Bonello explained that the strategy aims to create connected routes, improve cycling facilities and strengthen links with public transport.However, she also highlighted the importance of mutual respect between cyclists, motorists and other road users.“Just as important as infrastructure is mutual respect among everyone who uses our roads,” she said.Meanwhile, Stephanie Bonello, Head of the Malta in Motion Plan, stressed that improving safety is essential if cycling is to become a genuine option for everyday travel.“If we want more people to use bicycles, we must first create the conditions for them to do so safely,” she said.Bonello explained that the strategy aims to create connected routes, improve cycling facilities and strengthen links with public transport.However, she also highlighted the importance of mutual respect between cyclists, motorists and other road users.“Just as important as infrastructure is mutual respect among everyone who uses our roads,” she said.“Our goal is not simply to have more cycling lanes, but to make cycling a real and safe option for everyday journeys.”The strategy will be implemented by Malta in Motion and Transport Malta, working alongside government entities, local councils and other stakeholders.While the government has outlined its long-term ambitions, the announcement does not specify when individual cycling routes will be completed or how much the proposed measures will cost.The success of the strategy will ultimately depend on how effectively the proposed improvements are delivered over the coming decade.For now, the plan represents a commitment to making cycling a more practical part of Malta’s transport system, particularly for shorter journeys that could potentially be made without a car.What do you make of this?•