CYCLING IN PENANG

 LIFE is like cycling BUT its putting your life at RISK ??

cycling as an alternative mode of transportation....
Source: http://www.baikbike.com

Troublesome when traffic jam during peak hours…Lacking of parking...  I will choose to abandon my car.. and choose for the bicycle to get to a destination if there an extensive safe cycling route has provided.

Cycling to destination whether to go work, study or have a bicycle tour not only save on parking fees but also in terms of car maintenance and petrol costs while travel all over without much trouble as compared to vehicles user. On the hand, it’s an exercises that helping us in setting up a health body as long as reducing stress levels. Best of all, cycling is leaving very little carbon footprint which is one of the way to reduce air pollution.

But…if giving you to choose, are you willing to do it? Ermmmm… I have to think twice and twice…as I'm putting my life at risk… This is because the roads and coastal highway in Malaysia are far from safeness for cyclists. Lets us take the example from the  incidents where cyclist killed.

“A motorcyclist was killed after he was knocked down by a factory bus…..”                                                                    

                                                                                                       Source:  thestar online 26.10.2012

 It should be an extensive provision separately lane for cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicles.  Not only in highway but cycling lanes should be create along the main roads in the town centre too.

Enforcement needs to be strait and effective, such as motorcycle are forbidden to ride, overtake or park in the lanes. Compound or summons should be taken toward those caught trespassing into the lanes. Local authorities must play a role in control the uses of lanes are not taken by hawkers as a place to set up their business. It’s always occurring in Malaysia where the hawkers are located their business everywhere even pedestrian walkways besides the road side as long as there are empty places.

It’s same to motorcyclists which they are always overtaking vehicles, take any possible lanes and parking everywhere. Motor are forbidden to parking along these lanes in order there are not any obstacles that will cause unwanted accident.

 Hope our country will take seriously in this such issues!!!

 Well, take a look here, a good starting in Penang where

“The local authorities are considering building a 12.5 km COASTAL BICYCLE LANE around the Bayan Baru and Gelugor area leading into Georgetown. The dedicated bicycle route, which will begin at Queensbay Mall in Bayan Baru and end in Georgetown, will allow cyclists to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery while pursuing recreational or training activities along the route. The project will also include features like green parks, toilets and bridges, and will boost Penang as a cycling state.”                                                                                              Source: Malaysian Daily News, Oct 11,2012

                                                                                                           Source: MPPP, Pulau Pinang

references
1. Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang Official Websites.
2. Malaysian Daily News. Access on: 11 Oct 2012. Available on: www.malaysiandaily.com.my
3. The Star Online Access on: 26 Oct 2012. Available on: www.thestar.com.my