Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has unveiled plans to turn Penang into a "bicycle state" in a bid to conserve fuel and land resources, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
He told a press conference that 180km of bicycles lanes will be built to criss-cross the island as well as part of the mainland.
“This is our effort to be a bicycle state. We’re looking at a minimum five years to connect everything to become a bicycle state,” said Guan Eng, adding that it "will not be cheap".
Nonetheless, it will be still much cheaper and more efficient than building an unending network of roads on the tiny island. Already, Penangites cycle either for exercise or as a means of transport. Perhaps the only drawback to looking to bicycles is the often sunny and humid weather.
3 lanes
According to Guan Eng, the bicycle lanes will be divided into three categories — dedicated lane for bicycles only, segregated or separate lanes for bicycles and shared road. The chief minister also said he has asked developers with enough property to set aside land for dedicated bicycle lanes.
However, his administration plans to seek feedback from the public first. A feedback form can be obtained from the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) website.
“We’ll encourage everyone to cycle wherever they go. Penang may be the first state to become a bicycle state. We want views from the public. Whether they support or oppose, we are willing to accept their views,” said Guan Eng.
Malaysia Chronicle
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