A virtual stroll through the streets of Malta (in progress)
Category Archives: Malta
Malta thus far has been a difficult nut to crack when it comes to the whole concept of sustainable development, which for most of the people living there thus far appears to be a distant and not very important consideration. In this they are not alone; this has long been the relaxed position of most people in the Mediterranean region when it comes to these broader social issues which require quite different levels of participation, consensus and government.
However the roots of change are starting to pick up broader public support, though thus far they tend to be divided into specific environment and social concerns. In this section of World Streets (Battles of Ideas), we hope to be able to draw attention to and support this movement, and in the process learn a number of useful things in the years immediately ahead , as the movement there progresses form being a largely ignored, splintered minority into something more unified powerful and effective (Convergence). So if it’s OK by you, let’s keep an eye on Malta.
BETTER CHOICES IN MALTA: 2025 Transport Master Plan
Some very interesting things and lively discussions going on in Malta when it comes to their transport master plan for 2025 that we all might learn from. Here is a first set of references to open up the topic:
Malta in the Battle of Ideas (Convergence)
Malta thus far has been a difficult nut to crack when it comes to the whole concept of sustainable development, which for most of the people living there thus far appears to be a distant and not very important consideration. In this they are not alone; this has long been the relaxed position of most people in the Mediterranean region when it comes to these broader social issues which require quite different levels of participation, consensus and government.
Getting to work in Malta
Fair Mobility: Can your city learn some lessons from Malta?
Can your city learn some lessons from Malta when it comes to proving fair mobility for all, including those with mobility handicaps? (Lessons that they 
themselves are, ever so sadly, not learning. At least not thus far. ) Let me put this in other, stronger words. If your city is not giving careful attention to these equitable pedestrian issues, well you are living in a seriously underdeveloped, inequitable, third-rate city. Face it! Let us hear what Kevin Cutajar of the Gozo Federation Persons with Disability has to say on this as he goes eye to eye with government authorities on this important issue. If he does not speak up, who will?
Commentary: On priority lane strategies for Malta
On 11 November, the following question was posted by James Craig Wightman, one of the leaders of Malta’s hard-pressed cycling activist program, to the World Streets Facebook site.
Not sure if this is worthy of the Worst Practices page so thought I’d ask your opinion. As of tomorrow bus lanes in Malta will be open for car pooling cars and electric vehicles as well. While it’s a laudable notion, it remains to be seen how this will effect cyclist and motorcyclist rider safety. Up to now we knew the only cars that would (or should) be passing us were Taxi’s. Motorcycles were also allowed to use the lane. We knew that other private cars were not allowed and this meant we knew who to look out for (the idiot breaking the law and dangerously trying to squeeze past). Now its not so clear, neither is it clear how this will be enforced (a big problem in Malta) and managed. So I’m deeply concerned about cyclist safety with higher traffic volumes on the bus lanes, and particularly electric cars creeping up silently on cyclists. While you need to ask why other two wheeled traffic lost out (that will now filter down files of traffic).
WORLD STREETS __ A New Mobility Action Plan for 2022 