Penang wants to become a bicycle state

Posted on 26 November 2011 - 05:33am
Last updated on 26 November 2011 - 11:42am

 

GEORGE TOWN (Nov 25, 2011): Penang will have some 180km new lanes bicycle lanes within five years and plans to build similar facilities on the mainland are also being worked out.
There are currently about 50km of bicycle lanes in Penang.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told reporters today that his administration wanted to turn Penang into a "bicycle state'.
Apart from building new bicycle lanes the authorities will also link them with the existing ones.
"The project is expected to be completed within five years although we have not worked out the cost yet," he told a press conference today.
As part of the bicycle state programme, the state government has also mandated that new housing projects be equipped with bicycle lanes.
According to Lim, the regulations on the bicycles lanes became law recently. Under the regulations, developers must set aside land for the bicycle lanes.
"Penang may be the first state to become a bicycle state,” Lim said adding that those who wanted to give their views regarding the matter could do so via the Penang Island Municipal Council website.
The state has drawn up three categories for the bicycle lanes. Category One is dedicated bicycle lanes, while segregated bicycle lanes are classified as Category Two and shared bicycle lanes, Category Three.
Category Two and Three bicycle lanes are those shared with other vehicles. Category One bicycle lines are marked with white lines.
Category One bicycle lanes will be located from Batu Maung to Weld Quay (16.93km) and from Pesiaran Gurney to Tanjung Pinang (4.36km).
Category two and three bicycle lanes are the ‘round-island route’ (50.62km) via Balik Pulau Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, on existing roads (45.45km), connecting roads (21.90km) and within the heritage zone (7.81km).

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/220582