ESG welcomes cycle lanes, but with ‘serious reservations’

The Environmental Safety Group has welcomed the introduction of bicycle lanes on Main Street as a positive step that might encourage more people to cycle.

In doing so however, the ESG has also questioned how effective and safe the new lanes will be.

It also questioned what impact they will have on reducing traffic.

“The ESG has some serious reservations as to the practical applications of this initiative, given how busy both these streets can be, even after 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and 7pm on weekdays,” the group said in a statement.

“It is also concerned that some cyclists may not respect the set times.”

The ESG believes that it is essential for the RGP to monitor the system and protocols set to ensure that demarcated spaces are respected by cyclists and pedestrians alike, during the prescribed times.

“In many cities in the world, pedestrians and cyclists manage to co-exist respectfully,” the ESG said.

“There is no reason why we cannot learn to do the same.”

“However, in Gibraltar we have less space to work with than in most places so in order to avoid accidents we need to get it right from the start,” it added.

The noted that in order to have a significant impact on reducing car use there would need to be dedicated cycle lanes on roads also.

“This is the only measure that could actually get more people to opt for cycling,” it said.

Pic by Johnny Bugeja