When Luca Caruana asked his parents if he could cycle to school last year, they were reluctant to give him the go-ahead due to safety concerns.“But when we agreed on a route that passed through country roads and villages they said yes,” recalled the 14-year-old.
He now cycles almost 5km from his home in Żurrieq to St Benedict College Secondary School, in Kirkop every day.
The school’s cycle to school initiative has seen a surge in participants since it launched in the 2021/2022 scholastic year, going from three daily commuters then to between 10 and 12 this year.
A total of 25 students now have a bicycle permit, which allows them to commute by bike following parental approval.“All parents worry,” said Liam Agius Silver, who started commuting by bicycle two years ago, at the age of 11.
He and Luca say they still encounter drivers who impatiently honk their horns or overtake unsafely and would like to see safer bicycle infrastructure.
School taught pupils safety
But the school has helped its pupils to learn how to be safe on the roads and take precautions, such as always wearing a helmet.
Liam also makes sure to keep his bicycle in good condition. “I’m responsible for cleaning...
