Stop abuses on DBKL bicycle route, boost safety

KUALA LUMPUR: The 11km new bike route created by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) since early February has been a hot topic, especially among urban residents.
Many people complimented DBKL's efforts in understanding the needs of cyclists but issues such as vehicles abusing the route by parking on it and motorcyclists who continued to use it seemed to be endless.
Although DBKL had taken steps to educate the public, especially motorists such as setting up a special team and patrolling each biking area, it did not prevent them from being irresponsible by continuing to hamper the movements of cyclists on the route.
Kuala Lumpur City Mayor Tan Sri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz recently said DBKL would re-audit the RM4 million bike route which is currently on a two-month trial by obtaining feedback from the public.
According to him, other weaknesses identified included several areas on the bike route that were found to overlap bus and pedestrians routes and could be dicey if used continuously without any other alternative.
For the project manager who was also an avid cyclist, Mohd Almy Rahul Moideen, 42, the blue painted route provided was still not considered as bike-friendly as some aspects needed to be assessed and improved to ensure the safety of all road users.
"Regular and frequent monitoring by authorities through cycling or motorcycling patrols as well as putting up more reminder signs and visual advertisements are important in raising public awareness.
"Many (cases) happen when vehicle drivers often use the excuse 'park for a moment' and 'waiting for someone' to park on the bike lane while through my casual view, it has become a common sight," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Also in agreement was bicycle shop dealer, Mohd Sharifudin Ibrahim, 45, who asked other road users to be more courteous and concerned with cyclists and avoid abusing the facilities dedicated to the group.
"In addition, traffic lights for cyclists should also be created in busy areas as well as to increase digital bicycle rental services as it is easily accessible in China and Taiwan.
"If this aspect of comfort and safety is enhanced, it is likely that the number of cyclists in the city will increase," said Mohd Sharifudin who had been actively cycling since 25 years ago. — Bernama