Our members and committee work on a voluntary basis as one team to lobby in favour of cycling, safe transport infrastructure and sustainable commuting in Malta and Gozo.

Rota is composed of approximately 100 members and countless followers, each sharing their views, inspiring others to cycle, or contributing directly to solve mobility-related issues thanks to their expertise in the respective fields. From engineers to lawyers, architects, IT professionals, nurses, doctors, economists and accountants, managers and business people, social workers, students, educators, academics and researchers, artists, civil servants and politicians, we all come together as one in an attempt to shift the Maltese way of commuting.

The Committee

President

Mark Trapani

Mark is a wildlife documentary filmmaker with degrees in Chemistry & Biology and Creativity & Innovation. Currently studying for a second MA in Wildlife Documentary Production in Manchester, he's also a passionate cyclist. Having lived in the UK, Belgium and Portugal, he's witnessed firsthand the benefits of cycling and hopes to bring those successes to Malta.

mark-trapani
Juan Buhagiar
Vice President

Juan Buhagiar Duijst

Juan is a Software Development Team Lead with a Masters in Artificial Intelligence. He learned to bike in Groningen, Netherlands, where alternative transport was prioritized. He now bikes for short distances in Malta and believes in a multi-modal approach. Despite local infrastructure challenges, Juan sees advantages in Malta's village proximity and climate.

Secretary General

Daniëlle Duijst

Daniëlle was born and raised in the Netherlands, but moved to Malta two years ago. She started cycling when she was around 4 years old and the first time she drove straight into the bushes across the street. However, she has never given up on cycling since.

Her dream for Malta is for it to be more accessible for cycling, walking and other alternative transport. She is still exploring the best ways for her to use the bicycle in hot and hilly Malta. In daily life, she works on researching and improving the User Experience of different Websites & Apps. She hopes to apply her creative skills at Rota as the Public Relations Officer.

Danielle Duijst
Finance Officer

Michael Debono Mrđen

With a background in Information Technology, honed through studies in Malta and Germany, Michael brings a unique blend of technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail. His approach to managing our financial operations is as thorough as his dedication to dotting his Ġs and crossing his Đs — ensuring everything is exactly in place.

When he's not overseeing our budgets or keeping the books balanced, you’ll likely find him cruising the streets on one of his many bicycles. A proud owner of just around 10 bikes, each one with its own name and personality, he brings the same care and passion to cycling as he does to his work. His collection is a testament to his love for two wheels, and his creativity in both his personal and professional life.

Michael’s role is not just about keeping the finances in check; it's about steering us toward a sustainable future. His eye for detail ensures our every euro supports our mission to make Malta more bicycle-friendly.

Public Relations Officer

Daniëlle Duijst

Daniëlle was born and raised in the Netherlands, but moved to Malta two years ago. She started cycling when she was around 4 years old and the first time she drove straight into the bushes across the street. However, she has never given up on cycling since.

Her dream for Malta is for it to be more accessible for cycling, walking and other alternative transport. She is still exploring the best ways for her to use the bicycle in hot and hilly Malta. In daily life, she works on researching and improving the User Experience of different Websites & Apps. She hopes to apply her creative skills at Rota as the Public Relations Officer.

Danielle Duijst
Policy Team

Sergio Sammut

Sergio Sammut studied architecture at the University of Malta. As a junior architect, he is now specialising in property valuation. Outside of his profession, he is an amateur triathlete. He believes in cycling infrastructure as a gatekeeper for personal freedoms, and social equity. Rota can be the key to finding a better balance between cars, public transportation, bicycle riding, and walking.

Sponsorships

Sarah Duff

Sarah, originally from the UK, loves adventure and different cultures. She now lives in Malta, drawn to the fantastic weather and the chance to spend more time outdoors. With a passion for endurance challenges, Sarah has taken on long distance bike rides, ultra marathons, and even rowed across oceans. She hopes to use her organizational skills and enthusiasm for active mobility to promote and encourage it in Malta.

Communications Team

Joana Chmara

Joanna Chmara, a Polish-born freelance language tutor and travel writer, is an avid cyclist who loves using her bike to explore the world. She believes that by improving Malta's cycling infrastructure and increasing awareness about micro-mobility, the country can become a more sustainable and accessible place for everyone.