Rota opposes Sliema–St Julian's ferry, calls for cycle lane

The cycling organisation Rota has criticised a government idea for a small-vessel ferry between Sliema and St Julian's, saying the authorities should instead build a safe, continuous and segregated bicycle lane along the coastal road, Newsbook reported on Thursday 8 October.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett confirmed in Parliament that a short, small-capacity sea route between the two localities is being studied as part of the government's Malta in Motion transport plan, according to the report. The plan aims to expand sea routes and link them with the existing ferry network, and the stated aim of this route is to ease congestion on the busy Sliema–St Julian's corridor.

Rota said the proposal overcomplicates a short journey. "Sliema Ferries to Spinola Bay is just three kilometres along the coastal route via Tower Road – around ten minutes by bicycle," the organisation said. "What is missing is a safe bicycle lane."

The NGO questioned whether the small vessels being considered would carry bicycles. If they did not, it said, cyclists would still need a safe route along Tower Road. It also argued that a ferry would depend on the weather and sea conditions, while a cycle lane would work all year. Rota warned that more boats along a stretch of coast with several bathing zones could disturb swimmers and add to marine pollution.

The organisation also called for traffic along the seafront to be rethought, suggesting a one-way system like those in Qawra, Buġibba and Marsaskala, and lower speed limits for a safer and quieter waterfront. It said the lane it is proposing has been on the table for fifteen years.

According to Newsbook, the government has said it is studying the ferry proposal as part of its wider transport strategy. We will update this story when the Transport Ministry or Transport Malta publishes more details.