The State Legislative Assembly Member (ADUN) for Subang Jaya, Michelle Ng Mei Sze, has addressed claims that the new cycle lanes in Subang Jaya are primarily being used by foreigners.
Taking to her Facebook page, she shared her own experience of being a foreigner while studying in London. She recounted how she relied on a bicycle as her primary mode of transport because she could not afford public transport at the time.
A personal perspective on infrastructure
Reflecting on the discourse surrounding the new lanes, she said: “A lot has been said about foreigners using the bicycle lanes.”
“I was a foreigner studying in London. I cycled because I couldn’t afford public transport; it was my primary way of getting around. The facilities there didn’t discriminate based on whether I was a foreigner or a local; they were simply facilities designed to keep me safe.”
Universal safety as a priority
The Subang Jaya ADUN went on to explain that everyone, whether local or foreign, deserves to feel safe while cycling to their destination.
“Currently, people, both locals and foreigners, are already cycling around the area. It is, therefore, incumbent upon local councils to provide the infrastructure needed to ensure their safety. Otherwise, they are forced to cycle alongside motor vehicles, which is incredibly unfair to them.”
She concluded with a plea for empathy:
“I hope we can be mindful of how we debate these issues, as we are talking about human lives. It doesn’t matter if they are locals or foreigners; we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone.”
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