Pedalling Towards Sustainable Solutions

€5,000 awarded

Grantee: ROTA

Project duration: July 2024 – July 2025

The Challenge

Malta faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy traffic in village cores, which contributes to air pollution, carbon emissions, and unhealthy living conditions. The heavy reliance on cars hinders sustainable transportation and reduces community engagement with eco-friendly practices. There is a pressing need to reduce car usage and promote alternative, active mobility options that support cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.

The Solution

This project addresses Malta’s environmental challenges by promoting the use of cargo bikes instead of cars in village cores. By reducing car traffic, we mitigate air pollution and create cleaner, healthier environments. Moreover, by encouraging active mobility, we reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation practices. The use of cargo bikes not only reduces reliance on cars but also fosters a culture of eco-friendly living and community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire more people to embrace active mobility, leading to cleaner air, healthier and more connected communities, and a more sustainable future for Malta.

Rota is a voluntary organisation advocating for safe bicycle use in Malta with an aim to represent all those who cycle or want to cycle in Malta. They carry out lobbying to promote cycling to decision-makers, provide advice, educate about the principles of best practice by all road users, collaborate with groups who have similar interests and organise events to bring the cycling community together.

The project delivered these key outcomes:

Reduced air pollution by avoiding approximately 64.3kg of CO2 emissions through the use of the cargo bike.
Conducted outreach at educational institutions, participated at community events, and collaborated with NGOs.
Utilised the cargo bike for last-minute deliveries, demonstrating a model for sustainable logistics in Malta.
Generated insights into public perceptions of cycling and active mobility, showcasing cargo bikes as a sustainable mode for goods delivery in Malta.

“The grant from MEF will significantly enhance Rota’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and active mobility. With the funds, we will acquire a cargo bike to collect used batteries for recycling through a collaboration with GreenPak, with proceeds benefiting Hospice Malta. This project not only facilitates door-to-door collection with zero emissions but also demonstrates the immense potential of cycling. We believe this initiative will contribute to cleaner, more people-oriented village cores, advancing our mission of advocating for active, eco-friendly transportation solutions.”

Mark Trapani, President, Rota