This project is made possible through the financial support of Transport Malta in collaboration with Bank of Valletta, and facilitated through the help of multiple local councils. This initiative is a significant step towards a more sustainable and data-informed approach to alternative transportation.

Project Overview

The Cycling Mobility Project is committed to enhancing the experience of alternative mobility in Malta through the use of state-of-the-art technology. The project involves the acquisition of two AI vehicle counting cameras, which will be instrumental in collecting essential data on mobility patterns. This data-driven approach will enable the non-governmental organization Rota to advocate for improved infrastructure and policies that cater to alternative mobility users.

The initial phase of the project will see the installation of two AI vehicle counting cameras in Hamrun and Gzira, providing real-time data on pedestrian, cyclist, and micro-mobility usage in these areas.

Aim and Objectives

  • Data Collection: Rota will employ high-tech equipment to gather data at various locations, quantifying the number of pedestrians, cyclists, and micro-mobility users. This comprehensive data will provide insights into the use of alternative transport modes across the Maltese islands.
  • Visualizations: Rota will generate visual representations of the data collected, making it accessible to the general public and relevant local authorities. These visualizations will demonstrate the volume and routes chosen by alternative transport users, emphasizing the need for specific policy and infrastructure improvements.
  • Data Accessibility: The collected data will be made publicly available, enabling other stakeholders to identify potential enhancements and conduct further research based on this valuable dataset.
  • Understanding User Behavior: By examining the data, Rota aims to gain insights into the routes preferred by different categories of transport users and the factors influencing their choices.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Rota’s approach to sustainable mobility is firmly rooted in data-driven decision-making. While the measurement of car traffic is common for infrastructure and policy decisions, we believe that the same attention should be given to pedestrians, cyclists, and micro-mobility users. High-tech counters, known for their reliability and precision, will be employed to survey the number of people using alternative means of transport across selected routes throughout Malta and Gozo.

How the Measures Will Function

  • Equipment Acquisition: High-tech alternative transport counters will be acquired.
  • Location Selection: Several popular locations in Malta and Gozo will be identified.
  • Installation: Counters will be installed at these locations for a designated period.
  • Data Collection: Collected data will be added to an open-source database.
  • Repeat Process: This process will be repeated across numerous locations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Rota is committed to engaging with various stakeholders to ensure the success of this project:

  • General Public: The Locality Improvement Project will help identify main problem areas.
  • Local Councils: Collaboration with local councils will determine hotspot locations for alternative transport users.
  • Data Sharing: Results will be shared with the general public, researchers, and interested parties.
  • Open Database: The database will be accessible to support decision-making and further research.

Promoting Sustainable Mobility

The Cycling Mobility Project aims to promote sustainable mobility in Malta by:

  • Increasing awareness of alternative transportation options in the local community.
  • Empowering policymakers to make informed decisions, particularly in improving road safety—a critical aspect of encouraging alternative transport use in Malta.

This project is a significant step forward in advancing sustainable mobility in Malta. By collecting, visualizing, and sharing data on mobility patterns, we aim to inspire positive changes and make Malta’s transportation landscape more inclusive, eco-friendly, and safe for everyone.

Download the latest data report here (last updated 24/03/2024)