Johary (left) and deputy mayor Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali taking to the car-free streets on their bikes. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is assessing its existing roads and infrastructure in an effort to expand its network of pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes.
“These improvements are needed to encourage cycling as a form of first- and last-mile connectivity for public transport and to make walkways safer,” said Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Johary Anuar.
“In Malaysia, cycling is seen as a form of recreation or sport, and not as a means of transport like in Europe.
“Bicycles are popular in Europe as they are a form of transport that is accessible, cheap and easier to maintain.”
Johary said the move to promote bicycle usage was also in line with the state government’s efforts to encourage active mobility and public transport usage).
He was speaking at MBSJ’s car-free day, now branded as Good Morning Subang Jaya Programme.
The Sunday morning event saw parts of Jalan Kemajuan and Jalan SS 16/1 being closed to vehicular traffic to allow people to move on the road on foot, bicycle or scooter.
Imran (in grey) enjoying family time on a car-free Jalan Kemajuan in Subang Jaya.
Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng, who was also present, welcomed Johary’s announcement.
“My office has been getting requests for pedestrian walkways to the Subang Jaya LRT and KTM Komuter station to be improved, particularly the stretch between the station and Subang Parade and Aeon Big Subang Jaya.
“I also welcome efforts to turn urban areas into recreation spaces, whether on a temporary or permanent basis,” said Ng, citing as an example the Cheonggyecheon urban renewal project in Seoul, South Korea that saw the removal of an elevated highway, restoration of a stream and creation of a modern public recreation space.
She noted that last month’s car-free day and car boot sale in USJ 12 were both well-received and expressed hope that more community events would be held.
“The September edition includes some adjustments in terms of traffic flow and additional activities such as health screening and street basketball,” said Johary, adding that the city council had to be mindful of residential areas within the vicinity.
“MBSJ’s car-free day will for now be held on the first Sunday of each month along Jalan Kemajuan.
“But we will consider expanding it to other areas such as Seri Kembangan and Kinrara in future.
“Our requirements for having such a programme are for it to be held in a commercial area to create awareness of carbon reduction efforts in a city and to minimise disruptions to residential areas.”
Johary added that the car-free day event offered an avenue for MBSJ’s team to assess its infrastructure and services from different points of view, such as those for pedestrians and cyclists.
MBSJ’s car-free day is based on the healthy lifestyle concept.
The second edition this year featured archery and cooking demonstrations, street football and basketball, giant board games, car boot sale as well as food trucks.
Having been to the Kuala Lumpur car-free day before, USJ 14 resident Imran Hadzri Baharum said he looked forward to being a regular at the MBSJ edition since it was nearer to home.
“Our weekends as a family tend to be spent on recreational activities, which is usually walking in a park near my mother’s house in Kampung Datuk Keramat in Kuala Lumpur.
“But I brought my family here today and so far, it has been a good experience.
“We will make one or two loops with our children on their scooters before checking out the street activities,” said the 40-year-old.
