Cycling to University

An item in your University page (January 24), entitled 'Bike shelters installed', was a rather bleak bit of news because bicycles are such a rarity on the University campus.

This contrasts greatly with overseas university campuses where one sees oceans of parked bicycles. It is, of course, little wonder that so few bicycles are to be seen; it is virtually impossible to approach the campus by bicycle owing to the short-sighted dysfunctional planning of roads around the University.

Ideally, cycle tracks or cycle paths to the campus, segregated from the highway to enable students to reach the University campus safely by bicycle, should have been included in the original road plan. Cycle lanes (those useless white lines so beloved by our incompetent road designers) are quite out of the question owing to the density and speed of traffic on the major roads surrounding the campus.

Even experienced cyclists would flinch from the suicidal option of getting to University by the only available approach along the existing congested major routes with high speed multiple-lane traffic.

But there is still hope: If you live in the Gzira/Sliema/St Julian's side of the campus, one solution is to approach the University through the quiet back streets of Msida/Gzira, crossing through an underpass beneath the large roundabout which surrounds the skating rink; this takes you directly to the quiet roads adjoining the campus gate.

The campus can be reached from the Birkirkara side via a pedestrian underpass beneath the Birkirkara Bypass from which an easily negotiable roundabout by the main hospital entrance can be reached; from here there is direct access to the campus through the Mater Dei grounds.

If you live within a reasonable distance of the University, cycling is therefore a viable option using these approaches. For those intending to try commuting to University by bicycle, it would be a good idea to go out for a few cycle rides at weekends to try out different routes before taking the plunge.

Try to devise a safer route along quiet back streets rather than main roads - even if this increases riding distance. Cycling will generally not be possible on rainy days as our rain usually comes down by the bucket rather than a drizzle; even if you wear rain-proof gear, cars will splash you mercilessly; so you must watch the weather forecast and have Plan B for rainy winter days.

When commuting by bicycle, always allow plenty of time to reach your destination - the secret of not arriving in a sweat is never to be in a hurry on a bike. Cycling in normal clothing is no problem at all.

A large saddle bag is a must, apart from this other essential items are a pair of bicycle clips and, most important of all, a light zipped windcheater for winter - and do make sure this is brightly coloured to make you as conspicuous as possible on the road.

Commuting by bicycle is a challenge but it often turns out to be quicker than private or public transport and it is a wonderful way to incorporate healthy physical exercise into your daily routine. And you will have no parking problems. Good luck.