After the whole debacle with the bicycle lane separators reportedly causing injuries, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had them removed in a hurry.
However, it looks like those new bicycle lanes may just be having some other teething difficulties.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
A post shared to a Facebook page by a cycling coach, Kenny Kwan garnered much attention when he took a video of the new blue bicycle lanes around Kuala Lumpur city centre. It looks like what was meant to be a great step for Kuala Lumpur to be a greener and more liveable city still needs some work!
In his over 10-minute long video, Kwan points out the sad truth of fellow Malaysians abusing these lanes. He takes viewers on a virtual tour as he cycles past various roads in Kuala Lumpur such as Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun H.S Lee, and Jalan Raja Laut.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
At first, he shows various vehicles misusing the bicycle lane, as they were parked all along the blue lane which leaves no space for any cyclist to get through. He even goes past the DBKL building, where people just boldly parked along the entire blue strip. Motorcyclists are even blocking the lane when they stop at traffic lights.
As an experienced cyclist, he gives his comments on the design and points out that the bicycle lanes are not consistent, sometimes it’s on the left side and sometimes it’s on the right. He explained, “Bicycle lanes should be on the left side because you will be going slowly.”
Source: The Star
Some parts of the lane looks like they are breaking off or fading, although it may be because they are still painting the bicycle lanes. Kwan is deeply unhappy with the lane as he finds that it is rather inconvenient for cyclists. Why wasn’t planning even done properly?!
Netizens who saw the video can’t help but agree. He says, “No one cares, I’ve seen enough, you’ve seen enough.”
The cost to build the bicycle lanes were reported to be RM4 million at first but The Star has mentioned that the project costs about RM5 million to RM6 million.
Source: The Star
Some of the comments slammed the cost of building this lane, but others also criticised the people who did not care about cyclists and block their path with their vehicles. “Our mindset is still third world country and this is a fact! When can Malaysia be maju?”
DBKL senior deputy director (Civil Engineering and Urban Transportation Department) Sabudin Mohd Salleh said to The Star that they had expanded the loop to 11.6km which is longer than what they planned to accommodate the roads.
Source: The Star
He said, “The first step in convincing people to commute using bicycle is to provide the infrastructure; it is very difficult to educate the public without the facilities.” Apparently, DBKL is working closely with other associations such as Cycling Kuala Lumpur and Bicycle Map Project to make the lanes better.
While most people agree that this is a good initiative, the hardest part would be educating the public and enforcing the rules as manyMalaysians are misusing these dedicated bicycle lanes.
Hopefully they will come up with a much better solution soon!
Also read: DBKL to Replace Newly-Installed Bicycle Lane Separators After Motorists Sustain Injuries
