Perak govt steps up safety efforts at cycling events

IPOH: As cycling events are becoming increasingly popular, the Perak government has imposed a condition that all new developments should have a space allocated for cycling and walking activities.
State Human Resources, Youth and Sports committee chairman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya said a dedicated path will ensure the safety of cyclists since roads are not conducive for such activities.
"Our priority is on the safety of the public and this is another component of the tourism industry to promote sports tourism in the state," he added.
"Some improvements should also be made to the exisiting facilities in areas which have been developed," he told reporters after flagging off riders in the first global cycling marathon event at the Extreme Park in Tambun today.
The event organised by Gran Fondo New York (GNFY) Malaysia which attracted 400 cyclists from 21 countries is the last leg after Mexico and Italy before the grand finale in New York on May 21.
It is also held in conjunction with Ipoh Cycle Fest 2017 to promote tourism in the state during the Visit Perak Year 2017.
Shahrul also praised the organisers who had taken the necessary precautions and measures by deploying traffic police personnel and marshals along the routes to ensure the event will be free of any untoward incidents.
He said throughout the state, all kinds of cycling activities are organised on weekends and safety aspects must be made compulsory.
Meanwhile Tourism, Arts, Culture, Communication and Multimedia committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohd Radzi who was present at the event said the race will be made an annual event with international status to attract tourists.
"We will look to Asian countries to promote the event ... as for now, we have come up with a tourism package for the riders to visit tourist destinations in Gopeng, Manjung, Taiping and Royal Belum State Park," she added.