It's a good time to be a cyclist in Larnaca!
I personally don't cycle myself due to not being confident with these kind of things, but I am certainly encouraged on behalf of those who do at how much progress has been made.
The island – and Larnaca – have always been favoured by cyclists from abroad as a place to train, as well as a fantastic destination to hold major cycling tournaments, thanks to our favourable weather and terrain, but locals didn't particularly take cycling seriously as a mode of transport in modern times.
Fast forward to today and in a short period of time, cycling has exploded; not just as a mode of transport or a hobby, but also in terms of conditions for cyclists. The municipality is doing much to encourage the environmentally-friendly mode of transport and is participating in European initiatives that highlight the benefits, and it should be applauded for its efforts. Furthermore, we now have organised cycling groups that meet regularly; many families go on weekend rides; people with cars actually opt to use bikes to get from A to B instead, and the network of cycle paths keeps growing and growing and growing.
So why oh why is it that I still find myself stuck behind cyclists on the road, who are riding parallel to the cycle paths? Is there something wrong with the paths or is it a case of 'careful what you wish for, it may come true'? Maybe it is just me, but I have driven past countless cyclists who are cycling on the road, right next to one of the nice new cycle paths – two or more abreast, and it does not endear them to me at all.
Cyclists have always moaned that motorists are oblivious to their right to use the road, or fail to acknowledge them, and in turn, motorists have found cyclists a nuisance – especially when they do ride two or more abreast and take up the whole road. So I think it is fair now to say that motorists should stick to the road and cyclists to the cycle paths… isn't it? Or am I missing something?
The only thing I can conclude is that maybe the cycle paths feel restrictive to cyclists, being that they are raised up like a pavement and narrow. I can only guess that maybe seasoned cyclists like to ride at a fair pace and feel unrestricted; therefore the road is a more attractive prospect?
If there are any cyclists out there who can enlighten me, I would be interested to hear their views – did the municipality get it wrong with the paths or are they just not used to using designated areas? Is it that they prefer the thrill of the road, or something more?
In the meantime, it is still fantastic to see more and more people embracing alternative means of transport and enjoying our lovely weather and scenery. It is also great to see that international-calibre cycling tournaments continue to take place in the region, putting us on the world cycling map.
As for me, if I ever have the courage to get on a bike, it's the safety and confinement of the red paths for me all the way… with training wheels on!
First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 24/04/15
