Open letter to Transport Minister Anthony Loke

DEAR YB,

Your swift action in the past year to address public transport congestion during peak traffic hours is an example of great leadership. We applaud your effort and strategic ideas. 

However, there is something else that needs your urgent attention. The Road Safety Plan 2022-2030 expresses the aim to incorporate bike lanes on all roadways across Malaysia. Already a year has passed, why isn’t anything happening yet?

Many Klang Valley dwellers ride motorcycles and use these public lanes regularly. We believe there is an urgent need for the improvement of these lanes to enhance safety, convenience, and overall transport efficiency for two-wheeled vehicles. We seek urgent intervention to solve motorcycle lane issues. 

Around 10 years ago, the bike lanes on the Federal Highway and many other inter-city highway motorbike were well managed. However, in the last few years, motorcyclists have expressed that the bike lanes are poorly lit and although stretches of the lanes on Federal Highway have been improved, the connection points to highways are poorly designed. 

Addressing key bike lane issues

1. Inadequate lane maintenance
The condition of bike lanes in the country is terrible. Potholes, cracks and uneven surfaces pose a significant risk to riders and their vehicles. There needs to be a culture of frequent maintenance. 

2. Lack of segregated lanes
For far too long, there has been a lack of dedicated lanes for two-wheeled vehicles. The bike lanes in the middle of KL city are so narrow that cyclists can’t pass through during peak-hour traffic. Having dedicated lanes for bikes will surely enable smoother traffic flow and ensure the safety of road users.

3. Insufficient signages
Bike lanes often lack clear and visible signages and road markings, leading to confusion and mishaps.

4. Absence of safety barriers
There are no proper safety installations such as crash barriers in critical areas such as rest stops and intersections. The designated parking areas for motorcyclists to take cover from the rain are poorly lit, making riders vulnerable to crashes.

Conclusion

We ask that the Transport Ministry work with the Works Ministry, Malaysian Highway Authority and the Road Transport Department to come up with effective solutions to address these bike lane issues for the safety and convenience of road users. – September 30, 2023.

* Michael Kum is Resident Association Section 20 PJ secretary. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.