KL's First Bicycle Path Opens With DBKL's Plan To Ensure Motorcyclists Won't Misuse It
A new bicycle route in the city centre will be introduced by DBKL within the next two months, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib.
By Sadho Ram — 16 Apr 2015, 04:06 PM
Earlier on 14 April, the first bicycle path in the city was laid open for public use. Launched by KL Mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib, who along with other cyclists utilised the bike path for the first time, it stretches 5.5 km from Dataran Merdeka to the Mid Valley City in Bangsar.
Ahmad Phesal (front) cycling from Mid Valley City to Dataran Merdeka using the bike path during the launching ceremony 14 April.
Image via Shahir Omar/Astro AWANIThe mayor hopes the bike path will not be misused in any way
The bike path is to provide the public with an alternative way of travel within the city in a bid to lessen the number of vehicles on the road which contributes to daily traffic congestion. It is also aimed to lessen pollution in the Malaysian capital.
Besides that, it could also help to instill a culture of cycling amongst Malaysians, especially those residing in the city, which is in line with the aim and implementation of Fit Malaysia in shaping a healthier nation.
Following the launch, he also announced that DBKL will introduce a new bicycle route in the city centre within the next two months
“DBKL is in the midst of finalising several interconnecting tracks that will connect Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Ipoh.
“The bicycle tracks, however, might have to use part of the pedestrian walkway due to space constraints but we are going all out to provide safer bicycle tracks for cyclists.
Speaking on the challenges of motorised vehicles using the dedicated bicycle lanes as a shortcut to reach their destination, the mayor said that they will soon "gazette a new law to prevent motorised vehicles from using the bicycle lanes". DBKL invested RM700,000 in the 5.5km bicycle lane. It was kick-started in 2013.
Ahmad Phesal added that the plan to introduce more cycling tracks was part of DBKL’s move towards developing Kuala Lumpur to be a sustainable city by promoting alternative modes of transportation.
"It is DBKL’s duty to provide the bicycle lanes so that people working in Kuala Lumpur can cycle to work. The Mid Valley-Dataran Merdeka cycling route is one of the three cycling routes that will be implemented by DBKL. The other routes include Wangsa Maju to Taman Melawati as well as Taman Batu Muda, each costing RM1.4mil and RM900,000, respectively."
"During Earth Hour, I promised to introduce newer and safer cycling routes in the city if more than 350 corporation and government agencies participated in the event. We had a total of 697 participating partners this year,” he said.
While most of the plans involve high-density areas, Ahmad said DBKL was considering the 4m reserved space under the elevated LRT or monorail tracks to be transformed into bicycle tracks
The bike path project is part of Kuala Lumpur's tourism plan to showcase the Malaysian capital as a developing city that promotes healthy living.
Image via Shahir Omar/Astro AWANI“This will be more practical and it will help expand the bicycle tracks to more areas, especially the suburban areas. This can also help put a stop to people misusing the space for other purposes,” he said.
thestar.com.my