Paul Balban

Gibraltar Bicycle Mayor | Minister for Transport 2011-2023 | Nutrition & Food Science, Oxford Brookes University | Postgrad Dietetics, Kings College, London

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

My view is that we have left behind the city of the future. We need to go back to arrive at our future. “A smart city is a human city” @VelocitySeries #sttpp #cyclists #cycling #bicycle @sustrans

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@Calderon76J However, it is not easy to install live bus info at the bus stops & it’s not cheap. The tracker project was an amazing project done in-house by the IT Department & it still works. So for now, a green roof is a good and welcome addition 👏👏

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@Calderon76J When the bus tracker was launched it was a great step forward. It was always the intention to have bus info at each bus stop. A green roof is a welcome addition but should not come at the expense of a tech upgrade which is now well overdue.

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@tonyevans88 @HMGoG_MEETT Cycling as a form of sustainable travel should be policy if that is the belief of policy makers, however, if the vision is more cars on our roads and an adoption of EV’s substituting all vehicles with internal combustion engines, then policy makers are doing an excellent job

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

Happy World Bicycle Day ‘26, here’s reminiscing on World Bicycle Day ‘23 after the longest stretch of segregated bicycle lane was completed. The vision was a greener, healthier #gibraltar one where children could move safely & independently especially to school

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@DrIainWood @GBCNewsroom ……but looking forward to seeing draft plans for the area to see whether this is going to happen as proposed within the plan.

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@DrIainWood @GBCNewsroom Now that would be what should happen. Such a waterfront project including a pedestrian promenade, and bicycle lane fo people to enjoy was proposed as part of the Active Travel Strategy but after the lack of progress over almost 3 years, it may be unlikely that this happens

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@GBCNewsroom @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john If cyclists are allowed, why is cycling not mentioned specifically in the Official Notice?

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@GBCNewsroom The question is, will cyclists be able to cycle through? @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john

[Mobility Behaviour 👨‍🎓 @davidlois_uned]

"Crear calles más seguras que faciliten caminar, ir en bici y usar el transporte público es lo que define a una ciudad de primer nivel. El futuro no son vehículos autónomos ni taxis voladores; se trata de hacer que las calles funcionen para las personas" https://t.co/dZbT1YSVg5

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

This sign is useful as drivers occasionally take a sharp right just after overtaking a bicycle without taking a second look. Other than raising awareness, there are also things cyclists can do to help mitigate their own risk. Skills taught during defensive Cycling Training.

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

Thank you @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john for recognising that cyclists always stop at red lights. For the rest of you, e-scooters, motorcyclists & car drivers, please remember red lights are for everyone, not just for cyclists. The bigger you are the more dangerous you are #gibraltar

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

These signs try to ensure the safety of cyclists, especially children, reminding larger vehicles to leave at least 1.5m distance when overtaking them. These are very good and would be very welcome throughout Gibraltar

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@pizzaman21 @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john Indeed some do, but just like some e-scooters, motorbikes, cars, vans and lorries.

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@DinoChincotta @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john But why would they not order all road users to stop at red lights then? Why not a generic sign? Why target just cyclists? Don’t other road users go through red lights or shoot off before the lights go green? 🤔 Why single out the greenest & least invasive of modes of transport?

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@1anMackie @pizzaman21 @HMGoG_MEETT @cortes_john But if they didn’t mean that, then they must be discriminating against cyclists surely 🤔 Don’t e-scooter users, motorcyclists, car and lorry drivers ever go though red lights or pull away when the light is still red? 🤔

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@foxieloxie72 @GibChronicle They do apply BUT because a cyclist needs to use their very own energy to pedal & not just a tweak of the foot to step on the gas pedal to accelerate, when a red appears & pedestrians have already crossed, cyclists may just keep on pedalling. In some cities it’s actually accepted

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@lorrainemadden You’re welcome. Those that know me would know I favour segregating cyclists and e-scooters which makes it safer for them, especially children and letting cars enjoy the road free of bicycles and e-scooters if possible.

[Mobility Behaviour 👨‍🎓 @davidlois_uned]

"Cada kilometro de carril bici de Copenhague supone un retorno de medio millón de euros al año en términos de ahorro de tiempo, salud y atropellos evitados"

[Paul Balban @PBalban]

@LaLlave1704 Cobarde 😂