Kesian Riders di Malaysia

During our ride in Putrajaya this morning Pak Adib talked a bit about his research on urban cycling. Very interesting topic, I must say. And I look forward to his findings.

We also lamented the fact that Malaysian cities – with Putrajaya maybe being an exception – are not planned to accommodate cyclists. Yes, our cities lag far behind in that area. In fact, I would venture to say that, to most city authorities, the needs of cyclists and benefits of cycling are not even on their radar deserving of a second look. In short, they are a non-priority. Well down the list.

The popular excuse that have been heard every so often is that “We are a tropical country, who wants to cycle? It’s just too hot, la…”

It is this perception, ingrained in the minds of the decision-makers, that forms the biggest hurdle to providing better and effective facilities for cycling.

As a result, cycle lanes are not laid out in a planned and integrated manner (read: disjointed) and kerbs are not properly designed and flushed so that changes in levels are not abrupt. If the cycle lanes exist at all, more often than not, they would be blocked by a thousand-and-one things making them inaccessible.

Mind you these are very basic requirements we’re talking about here. We’re not yet talking about providing special crossings at junctions and overhead bridges for cyclists here.

Photos below show some examples of how people in developed nations take care of their cyclists.

A round-about in the Gold Coast, Australia - notice the special green lane marked out for cyclists


Pedestrian walkway-cum-cycle lane by the Brisbane River in Brisbane, Australia


Cycle lane and crossing facility, Brisbane


Well-designed kerbs at road crossings which is very convenient for cyclists, New Farm, Brisbane


Special-designated cycle lane, Brisbane


Cycle racks, Brisbane


Crossing facility, Tsukuba New Town, Japan


Main pedestrian/cycling thorougfare, Tsukuba town centre - notice the good landscaping which provides complete shading for cyclists


Route/location map located along cycle ways


Another crossing


Bicycles parked in front of the main Library in Tsukuba City. All major public facilities, including this library, are located along this main cycling thorougfare.